If you snore loudly or you're often tired during the day, one of the common culprits is sleep apnea. This condition affects an estimated 22 million people in America and can cause serious health effects when left untreated. Here's what you should know about this respiratory condition.

Sleep Apnea FAQ

What is it?

An apnea is an interruption in breathing, or respiration. Patients with the disorder exhibit one of three types of blockages or medical conditions. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles of the tongue and soft palate sag and block the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when signals from the brain are impeded, causing breathing to cease.  Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Why is it dangerous?

Loss of oxygen during sleep has long-term health consequences. Cessation of breathing disturbs normal sleeping patterns. If you sleep less soundly at night, your body produces elevated levels of stress hormones, a condition that leads to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

How can I tell if I have it?

Most people discover that they have sleep apnea because of a partner’s complaints about snoring. The diagnosis is confirmed with a sleep study performed by your doctor. Waking up with a dry throat or a headache, restless sleeping, and daytime fatigue also hint at a possible apnea diagnosis.

How can a dentist help with sleep apnea?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea and have been unsuccessful in using a CPAP machine, then your dentist can custom-fit you with a night guard that shifts your jaw forward and keeps your airway clear. Then, during regular checkups, your dentist can monitor the teeth for any effects from prolonged use of the device.

If you think you might have sleep apnea or a similar sleep disorder, ask Coulee Family Dental for help. Conveniently located in La Crosse, WI, at the edge of downtown, this local dental care provider offers personalized treatment plans for each and every patient to suit individual needs. For an appointment in their relaxed and friendly office, call (608) 782-3102, or visit them online to learn more about their preventative, periodontal, and cosmetic dentistry services.