Sleep Apnea Treatment in Connecticut
Getting the right sleep apnea treatment can be a life-changing experience for those who suffer from it. It’s not just about getting better sleep, but also about improving your overall health and well-being. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, visit us at Shoreline Dental. We offer oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment in Connecticut.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects the way you breathe while sleeping. It’s caused by your airway becoming blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching your lungs and brain. This can happen when your tongue or soft tissue around your throat collapses during sleep, causing your airway to become obstructed. The result is interrupted breathing, which causes you to wake up gasping for breath.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked due to excess tissue or swelling. CSA happens when the brain fails to signal the respiratory muscles to breathe properly. Both conditions require medical attention.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The cause of sleep apnea is believed to be due to an imbalance between two hormones: cortisol and growth hormone. Cortisol levels rise during the day, helping you stay alert. Growth hormone helps build muscle mass and maintain healthy bones and joints. But too much cortisol and not enough growth hormone may contribute to sleep problems.
Obesity can also be a contributing factor to sleep apnea. Fatty deposits on the walls of your upper airway narrow the space where your airway opens into your mouth. These fatty deposits also make it harder to move your jaw forward and backward. In addition, fat deposits may interfere with the movement of your tongue and other tissues.
How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, you may notice some of these signs and symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory lapses
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Daytime fatigue
- Irritability
Contact Shoreline Dental in Connecticut if you experience symptoms of sleep apnea. Our doctor can help you determine whether you suffer from either type of sleep apnea.
Our Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Healthy Start
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to opt for metal braces or Invisalign. The best way to ensure you get the right treatment for your needs is to consult with our orthodontist, who can help you determine what type of orthodontic treatment plan would be best suited for your particular needs.
Oral Appliances
We may recommend that you use an oral appliance at night to help reduce your sleep apnea symptoms. An oral appliance is a custom-made device that changes how your teeth and jaws position themselves while you sleep, allowing more room for your airway. This is an excellent option for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Commonly Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea causes sleep deprivation, which can lead to irritability, memory loss, depression, mood swings, headaches, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and more.
Yes! You can reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea by maintaining a healthy weight and diet. If you are overweight, losing weight reduces the amount of fatty tissue in your body, making breathing easier. Regular exercise can also reduce the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep your body well nourished. Avoid overconsumption of alcohol, and try not to smoke or use tobacco products.
No. Medications won’t cure sleep apnea.
Other treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and surgery. CPAP machines deliver air pressure through a hose connected to a nasal or face mask worn during sleep. Surgery removes excess tissue from your throat, allowing you to breathe better.
Get Your Sleep Apnea Treated at Shoreline Dental
Shoreline Dental offers a comprehensive approach to treating sleep apnea. We work closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan based on their individual needs. We use a combination of treatments, including lifestyle changes and oral appliance therapy, to help patients achieve better health and quality of life.
