Dr. Don Vespa of Pinellas Family Dental in Largo, Florida wants the public to know that if you suffer from sleep apnea, it is crucial to seek treatment. Your chronic fatigue and mental fog may be taking a huge toll on your interpersonal relationships and overall happiness. However, you may not realize that your condition can also have serious consequences for your overall physical health. Sleep apnea has been linked to a number of health conditions, and untreated sleep apnea can lead to even more severe health issues. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent long-term problems. Although many practitioners use CPAP machines to treat sleep apnea, your dentist can often treat the condition with a small, comfortable, oral, sleep apnea appliance.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are two varieties of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is rather uncommon. This condition will arise if your brain does not signal to stimulate breathing during Sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is far more common. When you are asleep, your whole body falls into a deep relaxation. However, if your throat, tongue, or soft palate slackens too much, the tissues can block airflow through your windpipe. In response, you will wake up or emerge from the deeper stages of Sleep, meaning you will never get the rest your body needs for the whole night. Often, you will not be conscious of the interruptions in your sleep cycle, so you may not even realize that you suffer from the condition. Therefore, it is essential to know the signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. These include:
- Loud snoring
- Chronic daytime fatigue
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Forgetfulness
- A lowered libido
- Chronic sore or dry throat in the morning
OSA and Elevated Blood Pressure
Although these side effects can make life less pleasant, even more significant concerns are associated with sleep apnea. If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you face a significantly higher risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. There is no doubt about the connection between these conditions, but scientists are still trying to determine the exact correlation. Some scientists believe that frequent interruptions to your Sleep will trigger an excess production of hormones. In turn, this biochemical influx will raise your blood pressure. Fortunately, there seems to be a two-way connection; treating OSA may enable you to reduce your blood pressure medication.
Sleep Apnea and Your Heart Health
High blood pressure will increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Therefore, if you have OSA, you will face a higher risk of cardiovascular problems and premature death. However, many experts believe that repeated disruptions to your Sleep can also raise your risk of these problems, independent of your blood pressure levels. Because your brain will not receive a steady flow of oxygen, it can impair your brain’s ability to regulate heartbeats. In turn, this can lead to stroke and atrial fibrillation (chronic heart irregularity). Fortunately, sleep apnea treatment can greatly reduce these risks. According to the National Sleep Foundation, only 40% of patients with OSA and atrial fibrillation will need treatment for their heart condition after being treated for sleep apnea.
Weight and Diabetes
The International Diabetes Federation states that 40% of people with obstructive sleep apnea also have diabetes. However, researchers caution that this does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship. Obesity is a common risk factor for both conditions and losing weight may help to control both OSA and diabetes. Nevertheless, other scientists speculate that sleep apnea may make controlling weight and blood sugar more difficult. Lack of Sleep can make your body more resistant to insulin and increase the likelihood of weight gain.
The Dangers of Daytime Sleepiness
Of course, chronic fatigue will affect your productivity, professional success, and happiness. However, it could also have life-threatening consequences. According to the National Thoracic Society, patients with untreated OSA are two to three times more likely to be in a car accident than patients without sleep apnea. The society does not advocate restricting patient’s driving privileges, provided they have not had an OSA-related accident. However, if you suffer from the condition, the researchers advise you to seek treatment immediately. Doing so will not only protect your life; it could also save the lives of others out on the road.
Treating Your Sleep Apnea
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are one way of treating sleep apnea. However, these bulky devices can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Many patients find that they cannot get used to CPAP machines, and they continue to experience disrupted Sleep. If you have not found success with a CPAP machine, or if you would like to begin with a more conservative option, your dentist can provide you with an oral splint. This small, custom-made device will fit over your teeth. As the splint repositions your jaw, it will tighten your soft palate and prevent your tongue from drooping into your airways. In 2013, Sleep, the official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, published a study comparing CPAP and oral appliances. The researchers determined that both treatments yield comparable results for patients with mild or moderate sleep apnea. They urged patients and healthcare professionals to consider conservative oral splints as a viable alternative to CPAP machines. This reassures you that you have effective treatment options available.
See our Obstructive Sleep Apnea Expert, Don Vespa, DDS
Dr. Don Vespa of Pinellas Family Dental is an expert in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the condition, he can help you have a longer, healthier life. Schedule your obstructive sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Don Vespa today. Adjustable oral splints that open the airway are a very effective alternative to CPAP machines for most patients. These splints are custom-fit and adjusted by dentists. Dr. Vespa would like to improve your life through accurate diagnosis, comfortable appliance therapy, and monitoring of the effects of this therapy. As part of your Sleep Apnea treatment, Dr. Vespa will collaborate with your physicians to maximize your overall systemic health through the regular flow of oxygen into your lungs all through the night. You no longer have to suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Recent Post
Today’s Denture Options: The Best Choices in Largo and Nearby Areas
At Pinellas Family Dental in Largo, FL, we proudly offer removable and implant-supported dentures. Pinellas Family Dental in Largo, FL, provides the expert and compassionate
Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Long-Term Health
Dr. Don Vespa of Pinellas Family Dental in Largo, Florida wants the public to know that if you suffer from sleep apnea, it is crucial
Pinellas Family Dental- Premier Choice for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Finding a dentist you can trust shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. At Pinellas Family Dental, we combine exceptional dental care with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.