O’Fallon Sleep Apnea Dentist Helps You Spot The Signs Of Sleep Apnea
Have you noticed that you are waking up frequently in the night, or feeling tired and sluggish every day? If so, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
A key to relieving sleep apnea symptoms, and to avoiding long-term problems associated with sleep problems, is to recognize the sings of sleep apnea before the disorder progresses considerably.
So here are some things you should know about what sleep apnea can do to you—if you notice these issues, speak to your dentist or doctor right away.
1. Sleep disruption issues
Sleep apnea causes patients to wake up frequently, because their bodies are not getting enough oxygen. So you might notice that you feel tired during the day, or that you are waking up and then struggling to fall back asleep. Additionally, sleep deficiencies lead to headaches, mood shifts, and even depression.
2. Snoring
As the name obstructive sleep apnea implies, this condition obstructs airflow (generally because oral tissues fall over the airway). This leads to disruptive snoring, as the patient struggles to get enough oxygen. You might not know that you are snoring frequently, but if your sleep partner mentions that you are, talk to your dentist.
3. Oral health changes
Sleep apnea can also cause patients to suffer from dry mouth at night, which allows oral bacteria to increase and spread. Consequently, you might notice that you are suffering from more cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. This condition can have real consequences for you oral health.
When you are ready to seek treatment for sleep apnea, our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentist office is here to help you understand your treatment options. There are simple measures that we can take in order to keep your airflow open, and help you avoid the unhealthy and unwelcome consequences of sleep apnea.