Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can affect not only your quality of sleep but your overall health as well. This can lead to a variety of health issues, from chronic fatigue and irritability to more serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Understanding this condition and knowing how to manage it effectively is crucial to achieving a good night’s sleep and maintaining overall well-being.
Here at New Teeth Dental Solutions in League City, TX, we prioritize your oral health as well as your systemic health, and we’re prepared to help guide you on your journey to better sleep.
Sleep Apnea & Oral Health
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. There are different forms of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when your throat muscles or oral tissues relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway. These breathing interruptions can range from a few seconds to over a minute and can occur hundreds of times a night, leading to reduced oxygen supply to your brain and other organs.
Poor oral health can exacerbate sleep apnea. Infections and inflammation in the mouth and throat can lead to swelling, which might narrow the airway. Furthermore, certain oral structures—such as large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw—can also increase the likelihood of airway obstruction.
Sleep Disruptions
Sleep disruptions due to snoring or sleep apnea can significantly impact your quality of life. Poor sleep quality may cause daytime fatigue, lack of focus, and mood swings. This can affect your productivity at work and your relationships with others. Furthermore, interrupted sleep can put you at a higher risk for accidents.
Chronic Snoring
Chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, but it can also be a condition on its own. It is caused by the vibration of soft tissue in your throat as you breathe. While it might seem harmless, chronic snoring can disturb your sleep or the sleep of those around you. Moreover, chronic snoring can lead to a dry mouth and throat, causing discomfort and potentially oral health issues.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. Left untreated, it can lead to numerous health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. That’s why it’s essential to diagnose and treat sleep apnea as early as possible.
What Causes These Conditions?
Several factors can cause snoring and sleep apnea. These include age, obesity, nasal and sinus problems, certain lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and certain physical attributes such as having a narrow throat, enlarged adenoids, or a large overbite. Additionally, sleep apnea is more prevalent in men than in women.
Sleep Soundly With Help From New Teeth Dental Solutions
At New Teeth Dental Solutions, we offer specialized services to help you manage snoring and sleep apnea. We provide personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs, including oral appliance therapy. These custom-made oral devices help maintain an open, unobstructed airway while you sleep. They’re comfortable, portable, and effective.
Your sleep health is crucial, not just for your rest but for your overall well-being. Chronic snoring and sleep apnea are not just inconvenient—they’re serious health issues that require professional care. At New Teeth Dental Solutions, we understand the significance of these conditions, and we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way in managing them.
You deserve to wake up each morning feeling refreshed, not exhausted. Let us help you reclaim your rest and rejuvenate your health. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!