How Can My Orthodontist Help With Sleep Apnea?

Do you snore loudly, or gasp while sleeping? You may be experiencing sleep apnea. This serious condition puts people at risk for a range of other conditions including high blood pressure, heart problems, and type 2 diabetes. If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to get help from an orthodontist in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, and Parrish, FL. We can help! We provide sleep apnea treatment for patients who want to treat their sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea? What Causes It?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing momentarily while sleeping. To resume breathing, your body wakes you up briefly. This cycle of falling asleep and waking up throughout the night prevents you from reaching the deeper stages of sleep.

Most people with sleep apnea have this problem because the muscles in the back of their mouth cover the airway during sleep. This is called “obstructive sleep apnea.”

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Gasping while sleeping
• Inability to focus
• Mood swings
• Irritability

What Can My Orthodontist Do For Sleep Apnea?

Dental appliances like mouth guards can stop the muscles at the back of the throat from collapsing over the airway. Your orthodontist can help you find a dental appliance to keep the airway open.

Why Should I Treat Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can cause a range of problems throughout the day. Many people with sleep apnea spend their days and nights exhausted. In addition, sleep apnea puts you at risk for health conditions like heart disease. If you have sleep apnea in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, and Parrish, FL, call today.