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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly start and stop. It can be passed down genetically or develop later in life due to obesity. 25 million adults in the US suffer from sleep apnea, and 19 million of them are undiagnosed. 

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Symptoms include:

  • Snoring

  • Morning Headaches                                         

  • Insomnia

  • Memory loss

  • Awakening with dry mouth

  • Teeth Grinding

  • Sleepwalking

  • Frequent breaks in breathing

Causes

  • Overweight

    • May result in large necks

    • Results in crowding among important areas

      • Airway

      • Base of the tongue

  • Genetic

    • Enlarged tonsils, tongue, or small jaw bone

    • Large necks

  • Smoking ( can make tissue more inflamed,causing a harder airflow)

  • Excessive alcohol consumption (can create more episodes during sleep,episodes just meaning interruptions while sleeping)

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Effects

  • High blood pressure

    • Blood oxygen levels drop during sleep apnea causing a strain cardiovascular system

  • Stroke

    • Sleep apnea causes low oxygen levels & high blood pressure which can increase risk of stroke

  • Heart failure

    • Increased blood pressure throughout the night causes oxygen to flow to the heart and brain resulting in high blood pressure and heart failure.

  • Diabetes

    • Sleep apnea prevents insulin from reaching blood cells in order to keep blood sugar regulated

  • Depression

    • There is a correlation between sleep and mood, and lack of sleep and depression. Some people experience an onset of symptoms from both conditions at the same time, while others experience sleep deprivation before depression.

  • Headaches

    • Not enough sleep can cause headaches and irritation

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) worsened

    • Sleep apnea affects the social behavior that can produce fights with friends or have behavioral issues due to inattentiveness and moodiness.

    • Sleep apnea may cause mood dIsregulation, high levels of frustration and impatience, inability to concentrate at school, etc.

Types

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

    • Most common

    • Caused by airway blockage

  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

    • Brain fails to signal muscles to breathe

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Oral Examinations

  • Are very important,should be checked regularly ( Dentists will perform these exams,hygienists can notice conditions but can’t diagnose)

  • It consists of just a normal intraoral cavity exam except the dentist will focus on the 3 specific landmarks in the mouth . The Tonsils,Tongue,and Uvula.

  • Dentists should also look at physical signs such as a large neck circumference,obesity,head forward posture and open bites with mouth breathing

Treatment

  • Oral Appliances (supports jaw in a forward position to help maintain the upper airway)

  • Oral appliances are only worn at night and it fits like a retainer or sports guard

  • Research shows that oral appliances are a very effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea

  • Surgery (if it becomes severe)

  • The surgeon can remove the uvula,tonsils and reposition some of the muscles of the soft palate

  • Sleep Apnea Machine (to force airflow while sleeping)

  • Mouth and throat exercises

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Always see a Doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment for all your health issues.  

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