Understanding sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. These pauses can happen more than thirty times per night, often without you realizing it. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, frequent waking with headaches, and persistent daytime fatigue. Many people with sleep apnea feel foggy, groggy, and out of sync all day long.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common type, caused by relaxed throat muscles that block airflow
- Central Sleep Apnea: Caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
There are two primary types of sleep apnea:>/h5?
Why treat sleep apnea?
A good night of sleep is essential to your overall health. Even if you are unaware of the interruptions, your body feels the effects. Treating sleep apnea can lead to life changing improvements in your energy, health, and relationships.
Better health outcomes
Lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart issues, type 2 diabetes, and liver conditions
Improved cognitive function
Say goodbye to brain fog and wake up feeling alert and refreshed
Healthier relationships
Restful sleep reduces irritability and can also stop loud snoring, which benefits your partner too
Treatment options for sleep apnea
Sleep apnea can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the underlying cause and how severe it is. Your dentist will help you choose a method that fits your lifestyle.
If you are looking for a Dentist in Brantford, ON who can help you explore safe and effective sleep apnea treatments, our team is here to guide you toward better sleep and a better quality of life.
Lifestyle changes
For mild cases, some changes at home may be enough. These include weight management, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, adjusting sleep position, and improving bedtime routines. These changes are safe and often used along with other treatments.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth. This keeps the airway open during sleep and is one of the most effective ways to manage moderate to severe sleep apnea. Different mask options are available to improve comfort and fit.
Oral appliances
Oral appliances are worn in the mouth during sleep and often resemble a sports mouthguard. Depending on the cause of your sleep apnea, they can help by repositioning the jaw or stabilizing the tongue to keep your airway open. These devices are especially helpful for those who cannot tolerate CPAP machines.
Surgical options and medication
In some cases, sleep apnea is linked to structural problems in the nose or throat. Surgery may be recommended to correct a deviated septum or enlarge the airway. Medications are sometimes used in combination with other therapies, especially in central sleep apnea cases.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include loud or frequent snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, waking up tired, needing to use the bathroom at night, and daytime grogginess. Other signs include mood changes, headaches, memory issues, and difficulty focusing.
There are many potential causes. The most common is excess weight, which contributes to obstructive sleep apnea. Other causes can include nasal blockages, family history, and neurological conditions. A professional evaluation is the only way to determine the specific cause in your case.
Yes. Your brain may wake you up briefly to reopen your airway, but these moments are often so short that you will not remember them. You may be waking up dozens of times per night and only notice the effects the next day.
You may be at higher risk if you are overweight, male, over the age of forty, or have a family history of sleep problems. Other risk factors include alcohol or sleeping pill use, smoking, and chronic nasal congestion.
Sleeping on your side is often the best position for reducing sleep apnea symptoms and snoring. Back sleeping can increase the risk of airway blockage in people with obstructive sleep apnea.
Yes. While it is more common in people who are overweight, sleep apnea can affect individuals of any body type. Structural differences in the throat or other medical factors can contribute to sleep apnea in thin individuals as well.
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