Many individuals underestimate the importance of proper sleep on oral health. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects oral health. This condition leads to snoring, gasping for air, and pauses in breathing. These interruptions in breathing can cause dry mouth, which in turn can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
At Modern Family Dental Care, we provide top-notch sleep apnea treatments in Concord Mills, Concord, near Charlotte, Huntersville, and Kannapolis, NC, to identify and treat sleep apnea and ensure your oral health is not compromised.
Our dentist in Concord, Dr. Haynes, understands the effects of sleep apnea and can recognize its signs and symptoms. By identifying the symptoms of sleep apnea early, our dentist can recommend oral appliances to help keep the airway open during sleep and improve your quality of sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood and disruptions in sleep patterns. The main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Both types of sleep apnea can have severe health consequences if left untreated.
If you’re seeking solutions for sleep apnea in Concord, visit our dental practice to receive top-quality care for your oral condition. We provide effective sleep apnea solutions, including oral appliances like mouth guards and sleep testing, to ensure you achieve better sleep quality.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There can be several causes of sleep apnea, and they include:
- Airway blockage: A primary cause of sleep apnea is the obstruction of the airway during sleep. This makes it difficult for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs, leading to episodes of apnea during sleep.
- Obesity: Excess weight around the neck and throat can put pressure on the airway, making it more likely to collapse or become obstructed during sleep.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications can relax the muscles in the throat and impair breathing during sleep.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
- Chronic snoring: While occasional snoring is common, especially among those who are overweight or who have a cold, loud and persistent snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea.
- Daytime fatigue: People with sleep apnea often wake up feeling fatigued and may experience difficulty staying awake during the day, leading to poor concentration, mood swings, and irritability.
- Morning headaches: These headaches are thought to be caused by the decrease in oxygen levels that occurs during breathing pauses, leading to constricted blood vessels in the brain.
If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to severe health consequences. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea and are looking for a professional dentist in Concord, visit us at Modern Family Dental Care and receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to improve your sleep quality and well-being.
How To Treat Sleep Apnea
There are many treatment options available for people suffering from sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and oral appliances.
CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask that provides a continuous flow of air during sleep, keeping your airways open. Oral appliances like mouthguards help reposition your jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction. Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can also help improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Improve your Sleep with our Sleep Apnea Treatments in Concord
At Modern Family Dental Care, we offer effective sleep apnea treatments in Concord Mills that can help you manage sleep apnea, improve your sleep quality, and improve your overall well-being.
Our dentist can handle sleep apnea treatments by providing oral appliances, like mouthguards, to treat sleep apnea and help you achieve restful, refreshing sleep. Our experienced professionals will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!