Sleep Apnea and World Health Day

April 6, 2018

In honor of World Health Day on April 7^th, bring awareness to how oral health affects your general health. While most people think of teeth and gums when they hear the term “oral health,” it can also refer to the state of the throat and mouth during sleep. If the throat closes off or the tongue slips backward at night, it can lead to a condition called sleep apnea. Apnea is a common sleep disorder that diminishes quality of life and can even be life-threatening in some cases. It occurs when your breathing is frequently interrupted while sleeping. When this happens, the body and the brain are not able to get adequate oxygen.

Symptoms of Apnea

The most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea typically occur while you are sleeping. This can make it tricky to figure out if you have the condition. However, there are some symptoms that may occur when you’re awake as well, including:

• Morning headaches
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Dry mouth and throat
• Irritability
• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue

If you have one or more of these daytime symptoms, you may have apnea and should visit your prosthodontist for a consultation. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive is the most common type and occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth or throat block off the airways during sleep.

Dr. Richard Assing is a respected prosthodontist who is skilled in treating sleep apnea. He offers a comfortable treatment alternative to the bulky CPAP machine. He gives his patients the option of wearing specially-designed oral appliances at night. The appliances prevent the tongue and surrounding soft tissues from blocking the airway and are a good treatment option for the obstructive type of apnea.

Treatment Options

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, it is wise to seek treatment from a qualified prosthodontist who can provide you with comfortable oral appliances to help you receive adequate oxygen at night. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Assing, call Brandon Complete Dental Care in Brandon, FL today.

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