Sleep Apnea Many patients ask and wonder how they will know if they have sleep apnea. The answer is simple, during your usual cleaning appointment with our dentist, we will look at the back of your throat. The dentist will look for any signs that indicate an infection such as redness, soft tissue loss, or abnormalities. These could be signs of sleep apnea.Our dentist here at Kaw Valley Family Dental will take their time to carefully diagnose this condition. We will look for several signs that indicate you have obstructive sleep apnea. However, let it be known that not all signs that are similar to that of sleep apnea mean that you have the condition. What Are the Symptoms?For people who have sleep apnea, the tissue in the back of their throat collapses while they sleep, blocking their airway. When this happens, they stop breathing for a short time and then gasp for air. This can happen dozens of times during one night. It is the reason why loud snoring is a common symptom associated with sleep apnea. Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include feeling very tired even after a full night's sleep, waking up with a sore throat or headache, having trouble staying asleep, and morning headaches. If I have sleep apnea, what will my dentist do?If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the dentist can help make it easier for you to get the treatment you need. Your dentist will look for signs of sleep apnea when you visit our office for a checkup. Since sleep apnea causes loud snoring, your dentist might ask about your sleep habits and those of your partner. Your dentist may also spot signs of sleep apnea in the tissues in the back of your throat. If you have large tonsils or adenoids, they may recommend that you see an ear, nose and throat specialist to have them removed. This rarely happens unless your case is severe. Normally, our dentist will provide a mouthguard to help ease the impact sleep apnea is causing on your dental and overall health. How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Oral Health?You may be surprised to learn that there is a connection between sleep apnea and oral health, but it turns out that untreated obstructive sleep apnea can actually cause a variety of dental issues, including receding gums, tooth wear and decay, and dry mouth. Your dentist will be able to detect these signs during their dental examination. It is crucial to seek dental help as soon as you notice any signs. You might be wondering how your teeth are linked to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea triggers teeth grinding while you are asleep. When teeth grinding goes on for a long time it creates trauma to your teeth and gums. This, in turn, leads to gum infections and tooth damage. Sleep Apnea Treatment is AvailableIf you suspect you have sleep apnea and do not know where to begin, visit us at Kaw Valley Family Dental for the best dental treatment. To book an appointment contact us by calling 913-441-3373. |
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