People commonly assume that anyone who snores has sleep apnea, but that’s far from the case. Common symptoms of this sleep condition are waking up with headaches, dry mouth, or experiencing daytime fatigue. Fortunately, our office offers Sleep Apnea Treatments that will give you a better night’s rest and prevent those side effects.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which a person’s breathing starts and stops repeatedly. It’s a common condition, affecting around 22 million Americans but most cases go undiagnosed. The main types are obstructive sleep apnea (when the throat muscles relax and airways become restricted) and central sleep apnea (when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing).
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Anyone can have sleep apnea, but some individuals are at a higher risk of developing it than others. Older adults, men, and those with nasal congestion will most likely suffer from this condition. Other factors that increase your chances of developing sleep apnea include the following:
- Being overweight
- Having arrow airways
- Smokers
- Diabetics
How Can We Treat Sleep Apnea?
We can treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with surgery, CPAP or BiPAP machines, or oral appliance therapy. Those with mild or moderate sleep apnea are often recommended the oral appliances first, as it’s the least invasive treatment option and is suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
We’ll address your symptoms by selecting and fitting the oral appliance to hold your jaw forward and maintain an open airway in the throat while you’re sleeping. More advanced forms of sleep apnea may require surgery.
Are You Looking for Quality Sleep Apnea Treatments in Marysville, WA?
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that should be addressed sooner rather than later. At Hixson Dental, we’re here to develop the best solution based on your needs and the severity of your disorder. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our sleep apnea treatments!
