You may think your too-late nights and too-early mornings, wake-ups by the kids, or too much screen time before bed are negatively impacting your sleep. These elements could be affecting how well-rested you are. However, if you take care of these habits and manage to squeeze in good nights of rest, you might still be inexplicably exhausted every day. You may be suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Not sure what’s going on with your health? Here are four things you need to know about undiagnosed sleep apnea:
Untreated sleep apnea can be life-threatening.
People who suffer from sleep apnea can potentially experience serious health problems, from heart disease to high blood pressure and stroke, headaches to memory problems. Even weight gain can be a side effect of undiagnosed sleep apnea.
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Dental issues are a side effect of sleep apnea.
Dental health issues are a common side effect of undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea. Sleep apnea sufferers typically breathe through their mouths, which can lead to severe dry mouth, which can irritate gums, which can lead to the development of tooth decay and, eventually, gum disease. Sleep apnea often goes hand in hand with teeth grinding and TMJ. These unconscious habits lead to the wearing down of tooth enamel. Not only will you need sleep apnea treatment, but you may need porcelain tooth crowns or other restorative dentistry solutions to repair your teeth. Plus, if you suffer from sleep apnea, you can expect to have more inflammation after any major dental procedures because people with sleep apnea tend to take longer to heal.
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Your dentist is one of the best professionals to diagnose your sleep apnea.
One of the best medical experts to diagnose the existence of sleep apnea is your Red Bank dentist. Your dentist will be able to identify the existence of too many cavities or worn down enamel, both of which can be indicative of sleep apnea. Your dentist may even notice excess soft tissues in your mouth that could be interfering with normal body function and ultimately require a referral to an experienced oral surgeon for the removal of soft tissues.
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There are multiple solutions for sleep apnea.
Your Red Bank dentist’s goal is to provide you with the best care possible. Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, you may rest well with an oral appliance. This solution helps restore normal breathing patterns during sleep. A customized solution, the mouth guard fits over upper and lower jaws to realign the position of your tongue and jaw and keep your airway open.
Make your appointment with Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ, to find out more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.
