GENERAL DENTISTRY
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Treating Sleep Apnea & Snoring at the Cause
Have you been told you make gasping noises when sleeping or that you snore loudly? There is a chance you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when a person continually stops breathing for 10 seconds or for a minute or even more when sleeping. A person with sleep apnea can stop breathing hundreds of times within a sleeping period of 8 hours. Sleep disorder breathing in kids has been associated with ADHD and is the main factor that contributes to orthodontics. Moreover, kids who experience persistent sleep apnea are 6 times more likely to develop behavioural issues such as social competency problems, communication problems, hyperactivity as well as bedwetting. Getting an early diagnosis is important.
Several treatment options are available for you to consider. Some may require the expertise of an orthodontist, while others, like flossing or brushing in a gentle manner, do not. Our expert knows how to fix black triangles in teeth using all the available methods, including interproximal reduction, hyaluronic acid treatment, veneers, braces, and composite resin. Talk to us, and we will identify the most comfortable and effective option for you.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway gets blocked completely, so air does not move into the lungs. The condition starts with the airway being obstructed, so a person starts to snore. As the airway continues to close, a person stops breathing completely — the lack of oxygen signals the brain to wake you up.
Bearing in mind the condition repeats several times a night, sleep apnea will have some effects on your mind and body. During the day, you may notice:
- Sore or dry throat
- Low energy levels
- Headaches
- Nodding off
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive
Central Sleep Apnea
Causes
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Your trachea can become completely blocked during sleep for several different reasons, such as:
- Tongue falling back too far
- Excess fatty tissues, which end up obstructing the airway
- Large adenoids/tonsils
- Retruded mandible which restricts the airway when the muscles are relaxed
Central Sleep Apnea
This is a type of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain fails to inform your breathing muscles to move. The symptoms may be the same as those of obstructive sleep apnea. It is only with a proper diagnosis that you will be able to know the condition you have and get the right treatment.
Sleep apnea is a condition that not just interrupts sleep but also the quality of a person’s life. If you are in Barrie and have a sleep apnea diagnosis, our dentists can provide a treatment that works for you. There are several types of oral appliances that can be prescribed to treat sleep apnea. The most common appliances include:
- Somnomed oral appliances
- TAP oral appliances
- MicrO2
We are a Family Friendly Practice
At Molson Park Dental Office, we provide family dentistry services. Toronto and Barrie dentist, Dr. Layth works with every child to build trust and comfort through the entire dental visit process.
Why People Snore
Snoring results from a partially blocked airway. Blockage can be caused by the tongue or excess fat. The likelihood of snoring is increased by:
- Over-sized tonsils
- Sleep apnea
- Longer uvula
- Being overweight
- Deviated septum
- Congested nasal passages
- Overuse of alcohol before sleeping
Our dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea and snoring. If you snore loudly or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact Molson Park Dental Office in Barrie today for a treatment consultation.