Chronic snoring, fatigue, and difficulty completing everyday tasks (like driving or sitting at your computer) are all symptoms of sleep apnea. Millions of Americans suffer from the condition, but too many don’t realize there is an effective treatment option available. Your dentist in Natick, Dr. Christina Papageorgiou, tests for, diagnoses, and treats obstructive sleep apnea. The same treatment also works for snoring! Keep reading to learn more about how we’re helping patients regain their restful night’s sleep at Papageorgiou Dental Associates.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that prevents sufferers from falling into a deep sleep at night. The most common form of the condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the mouth becomes so relaxed during sleep the tongue and lower jaw collapse into the throat, blocking the proper flow of air. Snoring occurs as a result of the blockage.
The risk factors for OSA include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Being male
- Heavy alcohol consumption, especially before bed
- Deviated septum or narrow airway
- Genetic factors
Is Sleep Apnea the Same As Snoring?
Kind of like how every square is a rectangle but not every rectangle is a square, people who have obstructive sleep apnea (almost) always snore, but not all snorers have obstructive sleep apnea. Brief bouts of snoring may be caused by a cold or after a heavy night of drinking and will usually go away. But loud, chronic snoring — the kind that wakes up other people sleeping nearby — is what needs treatment.
What’s the Treatment for Sleep Apnea & Snoring?
If you suspect you or a partner are dealing with the exhausting effects of sleep apnea and snoring, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Papageorgiou. She and her team will test you for the condition. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, rejoice — relief is on the way!
The treatment for sleep apnea is often with a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, machine. This method uses a small mask that fits over your nose and mouth to pump air into the lungs, keeping the airway open and preventing its collapse during sleep.
Many patients do not find relief with CPAP, however. A better alternative is often the removable oral appliance. It’s a small device that looks like a mouthguard. You wear it during sleep, and it repositions your lower jaw to keep it from collapsing and blocking the airway. People with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea or those who have not found success with CPAP are often finally able to sleep through the night with an oral appliance.
Can’t Find Your Restful Sleep? Talk to Us Today!
If you can’t remember the last time you slept through the night without tossing, turning, and jerking awake, it’s time to get tested for sleep apnea. We can also help patients who have not found relief with previous sleep apnea therapy by providing CPAP alternatives. Request an appointment at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today!