The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea  

If you think you might have sleep apnea, your dentist in Sugar Land, TX might be able to help. But what if you don’t know for sure if you actually have sleep apnea? Let’s go over the most commonly asked questions about sleep apnea.

The Most Commonly Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea

Here are the questions people frequently have about sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is when your breathing involuntarily stops and starts or becomes very shallow while you’re sleeping. This is a potentially dangerous disorder because it lowers your oxygen levels and prevents you from getting enough air. This event can happen 20-30 times or more every hour while you’re sleeping.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused by something that is narrowing your airways. This could be hormonal changes, large tonsils, obesity, or because the muscles in the back of your throat become relaxed and collapse and block your airways.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows.

• Daytime sleepiness.
• Unusual breathing patterns.
• Snoring.
• Feeling exhausted when you first wake up.
• Repeatedly waking up during the night.
• Frequent mood swings.
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping (as witnessed by those around you)
• Trouble concentrating.
• Memory loss.

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Body?

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, could ultimately kill you. This is because sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing, which leads to a lack of oxygen in your body. It can also lead to hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. It also causes cognitive impairments which could lead to other issues that stem from being sleepy like a motor vehicle crash or the like.

What Can Your Dentist in Sugar Land, TX Do for Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea in Sugar Land, TX, your dentist can help. A dentist can fit you with a custom oral appliance to keep your jaw, tongue, etc. in a forward position which will keep your airways open making it easier for you to breathe. Your dentist might have other available solutions as well.

Do You Need to See a Dentist for Your Sleep Apnea?

If you need a dentist in Sugar Land, TX to diagnose and treat you for sleep apnea, or any other dental need you have, please Contact First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. First Class Dental works with world-class sleep specialists that can help you with your sleep apnea. We use the most advanced equipment and 3D imaging technology available to provide you with the highest quality care possible.