Sleep apnea is a fairly common disorder during which breathing stops and starts throughout the night. Symptoms include snoring loudly, waking up gasping for air, and feeling drowsy during the daytime. If you think you might have sleep apnea, your dentist can help treat it. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about the condition. 

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are three types of the disorder. The most prevalent type, obstructive sleep apnea, is caused by a blocked airflow, which occurs when the soft tissue in the throat collapses. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, is attributed to inadequate signals between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. Finally, complex sleep apnea is caused by both an obstruction and faulty signals. 

How Can Sleep Apnea Affect Health?

Sleep apnea may not be a life-threatening condition, but if left untreated, it can cause serious complications. Health problems that have been linked to sleep apnea include hypertension, diabetes, depression, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

It can also take a toll on your oral health. For example, it can contribute to bruxism, which will wear down the enamel on your teeth over time and may even cause gum recession. Naturally, such side effects pose issues of their own, including chips, cracks, fractures, decay, and even tooth loss. 

Thankfully, it’s possible to prevent all such complications by managing your symptoms. After evaluating the severity of the condition, your dentist will recommend a number of treatment modalities, including oral appliances, CPAP devices, and minor airway surgeries. Once you find the right approach for your situation, periodic followup appointments will ensure you’re no longer at risk of any complications. 

If you have sleep apnea, turn to Dr. Robert N. Petrtyl, DDS for help managing your symptoms. Practicing out of Cincinnati, OH, this friendly family dentist has been in the field for more than 30 years. With a commitment to putting patients at ease, he and his compassionate team perform a broad range of services at their state-of-the-art office. Whether you need simple preventive care or oral surgery, you can rely on them. To request a dentist appointment, visit their website or call (513) 554-4657 today.