3210 Wilkinson Blvd, Ste. B-2, Charlotte, NC 28208
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
Treating sleep apnea can significantly enhance your overall quality of life, as it affects both your sleep and daily functioning. At Urban Family Dental, we offer solutions that may improve your condition through specialized dental care.
If you’re in the Charlotte area and seeking relief from sleep apnea, we’re here to help. Maintaining good dental health can also positively impact your sleep quality. Reach out to us at (704) 900-5445 to schedule an appointment and discover how we can assist you.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where an obstruction blocks part or all of the upper airway during sleep, causing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to draw air into the lungs. This can lead to very shallow breathing or even temporary pauses in breathing, often followed by a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk when breathing resumes.
Many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition and may simply believe they are experiencing poor sleep. Dentists can often identify and address signs of sleep apnea, as the condition can impact the mouth and jaw.
Sleep Apnea and Other Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders encompass a variety of conditions, classified into six main categories: insomnias, hypersomnias, sleep-related breathing disorders, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, parasomnias, and sleep movement disorders. Insomnia refers to difficulties with falling or staying asleep, while hypersomnia includes disorders that cause excessive daytime sleepiness.
Parasomnias involve undesirable experiences occurring while falling asleep, during sleep, or upon waking. Sleep apnea can contribute to parasomnias by causing intermittent breathing interruptions that stress the body.
Similarly, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders occur when sleep patterns are misaligned with the body's natural rhythms, and sleep movement disorders involve movements that disrupt sleep. Sleep apnea specifically falls under sleep-related breathing disorders, characterized by difficulties in breathing during sleep.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Many patients are surprised to discover the connection between sleep apnea and dental health. Sleep apnea often results from issues such as weakened muscles in the back of the throat, an oversized tongue, or a small jaw, which can lead to pauses in breathing. One of the first signs of sleep apnea is tooth grinding, or bruxism, which can cause tooth wear, breakage, and inflamed or receding gums. At Urban Family Dental, we offer comprehensive oral examinations to help identify whether a patient has sleep apnea.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea
Certain groups may be more susceptible to developing sleep apnea. Age is a significant factor, as the risk increases with getting older. The condition is also more prevalent in younger men compared to younger women. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle choices—such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor diet—can contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Adopting healthier habits may help reduce the risk.
Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is essential. Patients should be alert to symptoms such as a sore throat upon waking, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, reduced libido, nighttime awakenings, high blood pressure, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In children, symptoms may differ from those in adults and can include bedwetting, choking, drooling, excessive nighttime sweating, learning and behavioral issues, and difficulties at school.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for sleep apnea, including oral appliances. Patients eligible for oral appliances will need to have impressions of their teeth and return for a fitting at a follow-up appointment. It may also be necessary to undergo another sleep study while using the device to ensure it is working properly, with additional office visits for any required adjustments. These appliances are discreet and portable, as they do not require electricity.
Alternative treatments include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and surgical options. These are typically recommended for more severe cases of sleep apnea. At Urban Family Dental, we can help determine the most suitable treatment option based on your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Dental Terminology
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.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
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.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.