Causes of Sleep Apnea and Oral Health Concerns
Sleep Apnea can be very common in both men and women. This is when your breathing pattern pauses when you sleep, causing a low-quality sleep. Because of this, patients need to be aware of what causes sleep apnea. Such as symptoms, treatments, and where to turn to for help! Rockwall Oral Surgery in Rockwall, Tx, is where to help you find a solution for your sleep apnea. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation!
Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA occurs when the airway at the back of the throat becomes physically blocked. That obstruction causes temporary lapses in a breath.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA happens because there is a problem with the brain’s system for controlling muscles involved in respiration, leading to slower and shallower breathing.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea: When a person has both OSA and CSA simultaneously, it is referred to as mixed sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea.
The differences between these are crucial because the symptoms are different. That means the treatment plans will need to be taken care of differently. If you can not explain what causes sleep apnea for you, it will be harder for us to help find a solution.
What Causes Sleep Apnea
- Anatomical characteristics. The size and positioning of a person’s neck, jaw, tongue, tonsils, and other tissue near the back of the throat can directly affect airflow.
- Use of sedatives, including alcohol. Sedative medications and drugs can cause tissue in the throat to relax, making it easier for the airway to become obstructed.
- Family history. People with one or more close relatives with sleep apnea are more likely to develop sleep apnea themselves.
- Cigarette smoking. People who smoke, especially heavy smokers, have been found to have a greater chance than people who don’t smoke.
- Sleeping on your back. This sleeping position makes it easier for tissue to collapse around the airway and cause blockages.
- Nasal congestion. People whose ability to breathe through the nose is reduced because of congestion are more likely to experience sleep apnea.
These are just a few reasons why patients experience sleep apnea. Here at Rockwall Oral Surgery, we experience all types of sleep apnea and help patients with all types. We evaluate your situation and come up with a plan to help you get better sleep at night!
Beware of Symptoms
All three types of sleep apnea share common symptoms:
- Disrupted breathing in which a person’s respiration can become labored or even stop for up to a minute at a time
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Limited attention span or difficulty thinking clearly
Many of these symptoms arise because of poor sleep and decreased oxygen levels resulting from interrupted breathing.
Treatments to Try
You should make an appointment immediately if you have some sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea is not something you should let go of without treatment. Without understanding what causes sleep apnea, however, it is hard for us to treat you properly. Depending on what type of sleep apnea you are diagnosed with, we can move forward with a treatment plan and ensure you get the correct care for a good night’s sleep!
Some of the most popular are:
- Sleep machines
- Mouth guards
- Medications
- Regular check-ups
Sleep apnea can affect your overall health, oral health, and everyday life. You must give it the attention it deserves because everyone should be well-rested and start feeling good each day!
Get Well Rested with Rockwall Oral Surgery
If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, do not wait! Please call (469) 264-8921 or send a message to set up your appointment today. We want to ensure your oral health is taken care of and you are well-rested.
