Understanding Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where patients have something blocking (or obstructing) part or all of their upper airway in their sleep, forcing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to pull air into the lungs. This condition may cause the patient's breathing to become very shallow or even briefly stop altogether. Eventually, when the patient begins to breathe again, it will be accompanied by a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk.

Many patients are not aware that they have this condition and may think they are only suffering from inadequate sleep. Dentists may be able to recognize and treat the signs of sleep apnea, as these symptoms often take a toll on the mouth and jaw.

“Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where patients have something blocking (or obstructing) part or all of their upper airway in their sleep, forcing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to pull air into the lungs.”

Sleep Apnea and Other Sleep Disorders

There are several different types of sleep disorders. Each falls into six different categories: insomnias, hypersomnias, sleep-related breathing disorders, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, parasomnias, and sleep movement disorders. While insomnia is a type of sleep disorder where the patient is unable to fall or stay asleep, hypersomnia is a group of sleep disorders that cause a patient to feel excessively sleepy.

Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that consist of having undesirable experiences while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up. Sleep apnea can be an underlying cause of parasomnias, since intermittently losing breath inevitably puts stress on the body. The same can be said for circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (where the sleep times are out of alignment) and sleep movement disorders (where movement during or before sleep interferes with sleep). Sleep apnea itself is a sleep-related breathing disorder, where there is difficulty breathing during sleep.

“There are several different types of sleep disorders.”

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Many patients are surprised to learn about the link between sleep apnea and dental health. Often, the pauses in breathing associated with sleep apnea are caused by flaccid muscles in the back of the throat, a too-large tongue, or a too-small jaw. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is the first sign of sleep apnea. This may cause tooth wear and breakage, along with inflamed and receding gums. Community Smiles can conduct a thorough oral examination to determine whether or not a patient has sleep apnea.

“Many patients are surprised to learn about the link between sleep apnea and dental health.”

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Recognizing Sleep Apnea

Some groups may be more at risk of developing sleep apnea than others. Age, for instance, increases one's chance of developing sleep apnea. The condition is also more common in younger men than in younger women. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor diet, may also contribute. Taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle may lessen an individual's risk of developing sleep apnea.

Being able to recognize the signs of sleep apnea is crucial. Patients should watch out for sore throat upon waking, excessive daytime sleeping, restless sleep, decreased libido, waking during the night, high blood pressure, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Children may also exhibit different symptoms of sleep apnea than adults. These may include bedwetting, choking, drooling, excessive nighttime sweatiness, learning and behavior issues, and problems at school.

“Children may also exhibit different symptoms of sleep apnea than adults.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I still travel if I have sleep apnea?

A. Yes, you can still travel safely with sleep apnea. For best results, you should take your CPAP machine and other dental appliances with you—particularly on any trips that will take longer than one or two days.

Q. Are there any risks associated with untreated sleep apnea?

A. There is a direct correlation between sleep apnea and other health issues, like high blood pressure. Constantly waking up in the middle of the night puts stress on your body, causing the hormone systems to work overtime and increase blood pressure. The low oxygen and stress associated with sleep apnea are also related to heart disease.

Q. Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?

A. No. Snoring is very common. However, snoring that wakes you up in the middle of the night can be a sign of sleep apnea. Snoring associated with sleep apnea also tends to be deeper, louder, and more consistent. It may also be interrupted with gasps, choking, or pauses. Patients should see a doctor if they experience a combination of any of these symptoms.

Q. How common is sleep apnea?

A. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that over 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Furthermore, they estimate that as much as 80 percent of moderate and severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed.

Q. Can sleep apnea be cured?

A. Unfortunately, no. However, there are many different ways you can minimize and manage the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology

Bleachorexia

Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.

Carbamide Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide is a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide and can help to whiten teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.

Deeper Teeth Stains

Deeper teeth stains are stains that require professional oral health services and can result from certain foods, beverages or improper oral hygiene.

Dentin Hypersensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound in teeth whitening solutions that patients use to whiten the shade of their teeth.

Relief ACP

Relief ACP stands for amorphous calcium phosphate, which helps to relieve the pain in sensitive teeth in a gel form.

Stained Dentin

Stained dentin can result from certain foods and beverages with a lack of proper brushing. Dental professionals can provide whitening treatments to brighten the teeth.

Surface Enamel

The surface enamel is the hard outer shell that protects the dentin and pulp of the teeth. The enamel is the surface that people see when one smiles.

Surface Teeth Stains

While surface teeth stains can be inevitable with age, certain foods and beverages will only promote discoloration and faded teeth.

Teeth Whitening Concentrate

Teeth whitening concentrate is the bleaching agent that whitens the shade of teeth, which is more effective from a professional and not a general store product.

Call Us Today

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve the smile that you have always wanted. Community Smiles can help. Call us today at 919-942-6313 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.