Affecting nearly 22 million people, sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in America. But despite this prevalence, the American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that about 80% of moderate to severe cases go undiagnosed.  And while this often-undetected problem is known to cause fatigue and chronic snoring, the consequences of leaving it untreated can be more severe. Providing sleep apnea treatment in Saint Peters, MO, Schaible Dental Group explains how this condition happens, why it should be treated, and how a trusted dentist can help.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

What Causes It?

Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airway muscles relax or become obstructed during rest. As breathing becomes interrupted, an individual will generally snore until the lack of oxygen causes them to briefly wake up and disrupt their normal sleep pattern.

There are a few reasons why breathing can become obstructed. Commonly, those who are overweight often develop the condition, as extra soft tissue in the neck places pressure on airways. Misaligned jaws, on the other hand, can create abnormal positioning during rest that restricts breathing. Other potential sleep apnea risk factors include alcohol use, smoking, a deviated septum, and allergies.

While less common, children may develop the disorder if they have enlarged tonsils or adenoids that block airflow. Overbites are another potential cause among younger patients.

Why Are the Risks?

Apart from severe snoring, the disorder can lead to chronic restlessness, creating a greater sense of general fatigue and lack of alertness during the day. Ongoing sleep loss can eventually contribute to a wide range of serious health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, and stroke.

How Is It Treated?

If you have this condition, the best form of treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if you have excess weight, a doctor will likely recommend following an improved fitness and diet plan to burn fat. If this isn’t the case, though, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are a common treatment that involves wearing a specialized air pressure mask in bed. You can also wear a custom mouth guard at night to help keep the airway open or have surgery to correct misaligned jaws or overbites that impact your breathing.

If you’ve been struggling with chronic snoring or sleep apnea, Schaible Dental Group knows how to help you overcome it. Providing comprehensive dental care in Saint Peters, MO, this provider crafts custom appliances to improve breathing during the night without impacting overall comfort. Visit this specialist online to learn more about the ways they can help you breathe easier, as well as take care of your other general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry needs. To schedule a consultation, call (636) 279-1633 today.