Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects both adults and children alike. The condition impacts a person's ability to properly breathe while they are asleep. Patienṭs suffering from sleep apnea suffers from repeated stoppage of breathing during their sleep. When they restart breathing, they may snort or wake up with smothering, gasping, or choking sensations. And this breathing obstruction resulting from the blockage of the airway results in the brain and body not getting enough oxygen. Hence, sleep apnea may lead to several health issues like stroke, heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes if the condition is left untreated.
At Oak Tree Dental Care, our dentists Dr. Amin Tabatabaian and Dt. Subha knows how complex sleep apnea can be, and we offer sleep apnea treatments that best suit our patients.
What causes Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea can affect anyone. However, certain people are at an increased risk if they have the following conditions:
- Family history or genetics can cause obstructive sleep apnea in some patients.
- Obesity is often a leading cause of sleep apnea as it narrows the airway.
- The size and positioning of the patient's neck, tongue, jaw, and other tissues of the throat can affect their airflow.
- Consumption of sedative medicines or tranquilizers can lead to the relaxing of the tissue in the throat, increasing the chance for the airway to become obstructed.
- Those who are heavy smokers are at an increased risk of sleep apnea.
- When patients sleep on their back, the tissues might collapse around their airways, causing blockages, leading to sleep apnea.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Insomnia.
- Difficulty in concentration and learning.
- Morning headaches.
- Dry mouth after getting up from sleep.
- Loud snoring.
- Sore throat.
- Reduced tolerance levels.
- Fatigue and lethargy.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Pauses while breathing during sleep.
- Inability to breathe while asleep, leading to sudden waking up panting for air.
- Bruxism or teeth grinding
- Increase in weight
Treatment for Sleep Apnea at Oak Tree Dental Care
At Oak Tree Dental Care, we offer the following treatments with the aim to ensure that the airway of the patient is not blocked during sleep.
Nasal Decongestants
For patients with mild sleep apnea, nasal decongestants provide relief.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Here, the facemask attached to the patient's nose delivers airflow and keeps the airway open during their sleep.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BPAP)
The BPAP pressure machine, which has high and low settings, responds according to the patient's breathing pattern to provide relief from sleep apnea.
If you would like to avail of our dental services, visit Oak Tree Dental Care at 10004 Aurora Ave N Suite 14, Seattle, WA 98133, or call dentists Seattle WA at (206) 363-4300 to schedule an appointment.
