Sleep Apnea Treatment Specialist in Copperfield Houston, Cinco Ranch Katy, Magnolia, Katy, FM Spring, Spring, and Montgomery TX

At Gentle Dental Care, one of the key areas of focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. As a condition that affects millions, sleep apnea is a serious and common sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep.

Though often associated with loud snoring, it’s important to remember that sleep apnea is not the cause of all snores. Obstructive and central sleep apnea are the two primary types. The more prevalent kind of obstructive sleep apnea is brought on by an obstruction of the airway, which frequently results from the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing while the patient is asleep. Central sleep apnea develops when the brain fails to deliver the appropriate signals to the muscles that regulate breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send the necessary signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Certain factors like being male, overweight, over 40, or having a large neck size, large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone can increase the risk. Other risk factors include having a family history of sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems.

Sleep apnea can cause significant health issues if left untreated like high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, worsening of ADHD, and headaches. It can even affect your performance at work and school and can be the cause of motor vehicle crashes and academic underperformance in children and adolescents.

It’s crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, which can include episodes of breathing cessation during sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring: This is a common symptom often associated with sleep apnea. Snoring can be a sign of restricted airflow, which may be due to oral health issues such as problems with the throat or tongue.

• Frequent awakenings or insomnia, daytime drowsiness or fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating: All these symptoms are associated with the disturbed sleep patterns caused by sleep apnea.

• Frequent urination during the night, mood changes, weight gain, and severe symptoms like high blood pressure and decreased libido.

If you experience any combination of these symptoms, especially loud snoring coupled with daytime fatigue, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.

Moreover, dental appliances are also available to help manage sleep apnea. These devices, which are similar to mouthguards or orthodontic retainers, can help keep your airway open during sleep. At Gentle Dental Care, we can discuss these options and help you choose the treatment that’s best for you.

We understand the interconnection between oral health and overall well-being. One such connection is the link between oral health and sleep apnea, a widespread sleep disorder affecting over 22 million Americans.

Around 13% of the US population (about 40 million adults) have moderate to severe sleep apnea. Older individuals and those with significant weight are particularly susceptible to this condition.

We are committed to helping our patients achieve the best possible sleep health. We also offer oral appliance therapy, a common treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea, which involves wearing a custom-fit oral device while sleeping. This device holds the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open, allowing for uninterrupted breathing during sleep.

With the prevalence of sleep apnea rising steadily due to factors like the growing obesity epidemic and the aging population, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness about this disorder and its connection to oral health.

If you suffer from this severe sleep disorder, you’ll be happy knowing that there are several kinds of sleep apnea devices designed to help manage this condition. Each device offers unique features and benefits to address different severities of sleep apnea and patient needs.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines:

Used extensively, CPAP machines work by delivering a continuous stream of air that, as you sleep, keeps your breathing open. They fit over the nose or mouth like a mask and create positive pressure in the airway, preventing it from collapsing, a common issue among sleep apnea patients.

Auto-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Devices:

APAP devices are suitable for patients whose sleep apnea severity varies from night to night. They monitor the patient’s breathing and adjust the pressure accordingly to provide optimal support.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Devices:

BiPAP devices are similar to CPAP machines but allow for adjustable pressure settings. They deliver two different air pressures: one during inhalation and a lower one during exhalation.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) Devices:

ASV devices are designed for people who have central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP and BiPAP machines, ASV devices can adjust the air pressure in real time based on the individual’s breathing needs.

Oral Appliances:

At Gentle Dental Care, we highly recommend oral appliances for those who suffer from mild to moderate OSA. These dental appliances realign the tongue and lower jaw to keep the airway open.

Nasal EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) Devices:

Nasal EPAP devices are small, disposable adhesive devices that cover the nostrils and keep the airway open by increasing the pressure in the airway.

Positional Therapy Devices:

These devices, like special pillows or shirts, prevent you from sleeping in certain positions, thereby reducing episodes of sleep apnea.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulators:

These are implantable devices that stimulate the nerve-controlling tongue movement, keeping the airway open.

Choosing the appropriate sleep apnea device depends on the severity of your condition, the physical characteristics of your upper airway, your personal preferences, and any co-existing medical conditions.

Sleep apnea not only affects the quality of your rest but also has serious implications for your overall health. It is characterized by repeated stopping and starting of breathing during sleep.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System:

The disorder can cause sudden drops in blood oxygen levels, which in turn increases blood pressure and strains the cardiovascular system. This can lead to heart disease, recurrent heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, and potentially stroke or other heart-related complications.

Metabolic Effects:

Sleep apnea is also linked with metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The disruption in your body’s normal sleep-wake cycle can lead to weight gain and obesity, further exacerbating these problems.

Sleep-Related Problems:

One of the most noticeable impacts of sleep apnea is excessive daytime fatigue due to a lack of good night’s sleep.

Other Effects:

Other health conditions, including respiratory problems, can also be exacerbated by sleep apnea. For instance, those with the condition might experience difficulty breathing during the day and it can worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Sleep apnea has also been linked to other health issues like headaches, mood disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and erectile dysfunction in men.

Experience a Night of Restful Sleep with Gentle Dental’s Silent Nite Sleep Appliances.

Tired of tossing and turning? Our innovative sleep apnea devices are designed to provide you with a deeper, more comfortable night’s sleep. By gently shifting your lower jaw forward, these appliances effectively open your airway, preventing it from collapsing.

Say goodbye to snoring and sleep disturbances. Contact us today to learn more about how our Silent Nite Sleep Appliances can transform your sleep and improve your overall well-being.

At Gentle Dental Care, we understand the severity of this sleep disorder and offer customized solutions to help manage it. If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. We serve patients from Copperfield Houston, Cinco Ranch Katy, Magnolia, Katy, FM Spring, Spring, Montgomery, Westlake TX, Kelliwood TX, Copper Lakes TX, Brenwood TX, The Woodlands TX, Rayford TX, Pine Hurst TX, Egypt TX, Dobbin TX, Conroe TX, Louetta TX, Kohrville TX, Four Corners TX, Howellville TX, and surrounding areas.