Why Sleep Apnea Should Never Be Ignored

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or if you suspect sleep apnea, you need to know how serious this condition is. Sleep apnea can be treated with the help of your dentist in Columbia, SC. The next time you see your dentist, talk about your sleep apnea condition. Here are some reasons why sleep apnea should never be ignored.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects countless individuals around the world. It’s a type of breathing disruption that occurs while a person is asleep, hence the name. Sleep apnea negatively affects a person in a variety of ways, from mild to severe. In the worst cases, sleep apnea can lead to heart problems. For many people, the worst part of sleep apnea as far as symptoms go, is disruption of a bed partner’s sleep. However, the potential hazards of sleep apnea extend beyond the inconvenience of an irritated partner.

The Dangers of Ignoring Sleep Apnea

One of the main concerns about ignoring sleep apnea is that it is linked to cardiovascular health deterioration. Individuals with sleep apnea exhibit a higher rate of stroke and heart attack than those who don’t suffer with this condition.

Another hazard associated with sleep apnea is diabetes. Many sleep apnea sufferers are critically overweight, defined as being 30 pounds or more above a healthy weight range. The correlation between obesity, sleep apnea, and diabetes is well-documented. In turn, diabetes can result in vascular disease or even necessitate amputation in severe circumstances.

Remember that sleep apnea often indicates a more significant health concern. By managing sleep apnea promptly with your dental professional’s help, you can more easily enjoy better health and potentially pinpoint any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to the sleep apnea. In this way, you, your dentist and your physician can be on the same team to improve your health.

Finally, know that your dentist is very familiar with sleep apnea. You needn’t be embarrassed about discussing this condition during your next dental visit. In fact, sleep apnea in Columbia, SC is much more common than you probably realize. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with sleep apnea.

Is Invisalign Safe If I Have Sleep Apnea?

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Invisalign is a dental appliance that works to correct mild to moderate teeth alignment issues. Although it can be removed for eating and special occasions, it’s meant to be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day. Obviously that means it needs to be worn at night, while you sleep. But what if you have sleep apnea? Is it safe to use Invisalign if you have this disorder?

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. This condition can result in snoring, choking, and gasping for breath. Sleep apnea can be caused by several factors, including obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The most common type of sleep apnea in Columbia, SC is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and block the airway. Sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue, mood changes, and other health problems if left untreated.

Invisalign For Sleep Apnea

Surprisingly, Invisalign offers a novel solution to a widespread sleep disorder. Sleep apnea, characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep, can lead to serious health issues, including heart problems and excessive daytime sleepiness. Traditional treatment options like CPAP machines or bulky oral appliances can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Invisalign, a discreet, clear aligner system commonly used for teeth straightening, is now being repurposed to treat sleep apnea effectively. Custom-designed Invisalign trays gently reposition the jaw to improve airflow, thus reducing apnea episodes and offering patients a comfortable, non-invasive treatment alternative.

Invisalign For Misaligned Teeth

If you are going to be treated for misaligned teeth and you also have sleep apnea, talk to your orthodontist in Columbia, SC. There may be a way to combine treatments so that your sleep apnea concerns are addressed with the help of Invisalign.

Your orthodontist has many options available to take care of your teeth alignment issues. But it’s less widely known that sleep apnea can also be treated by your dental health care provider. During your next appointment be sure to mention any health issues that you may be experiencing, so that your provider fully understands your situation. To book your next appointment, contact us today.

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Dangers of Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea is more than a minor inconvenience. Having sleep apnea in Columbia, SC can put you at a greater risk for a variety of health problems. The disorder may lead to high blood pressure and stroke. It can also affect your memory. Symptoms include forgetfulness, poor concentration, and mood swings. This can cause a negative impact on your work and relationships.

How Sleep Apnea Endangers Health

While it is not known if sleep apnea directly causes heart disease, the stress of having frequent apnea episodes is enough to make a person more susceptible to developing heart disease. This is because the heart is under stress when you wake up and the panic response is high. The disorder causes the body to go without oxygen for brief periods of time, which strains the heart. When the brain triggers this pause in breathing, blood pressure in the patient rises. This increases the risk for cardiac arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. It can also increase the risk for heart attacks.

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

If you are overweight or have a family history of high blood pressure, you are more at risk for developing sleep apnea. This is because weight gain can worsen the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Another reason that you are at a higher risk for sleep apnea is if you have nasal congestion or a nasal structure that makes it difficult for you to breathe properly.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

A person with apnea will often wake up with a headache, shortness of breath, or a sore throat. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult with your physician. Snoring is not always a sign of sleep apnea, but it is a common symptom for people with this condition. Alternatively, you might have a dry mouth during the night which can cause a choking sensation.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

If you think you may have sleep apnea, consider consulting a sleep apnea specialist. This will allow your doctor to determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with this disorder, you may have the opportunity to take an overnight sleep study. This test will measure your breathing while you are sleeping.

Talk to your Columbia, SC dentist about any concerns you have about sleep apnea. We can help you and your physician to resolve or treat the problem.