You probably know that going to bed early and still waking up exhausted tends to happen to everyone, but did you know that if this happens to you consistently, you could be suffering from sleep apnea? Sadly, if you have sleep apnea you could have to cope with a number of serious issues.
You see, if you have sleep apnea, you’ll stop breathing for ten seconds or more while you’re asleep. Sadly, because you’ll be sleeping, this condition could be difficult to diagnose. However, there are a few issues you may be able to recognize. For instance, did you know that headaches, dry mouth, and lethargy could all be symptoms of sleep apnea? Fortunately, a dentist is often the first person to recognize this problem.
The type of treatment you need depends on the type of sleep apnea you have. For example, there are custom oral appliances that may reposition your jaw and improve airflow. A CPAP machine may also be useful. However, CPAP machines are sometimes considered loud and uncomfortable, so some prefer an oral appliance.
Naturally, if you don’t address sleep apnea, there could be several issues you’ll have to deal with. For instance, if you have sleep apnea, you’ll probably yawn or make other noises in your sleep. Theses noises can make it difficult for others to sleep. You may also have difficulty focusing when you are awake because your sleep will be interrupted so regularly. You could also have to cope with high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, depression, headaches, and fatigue.
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, we can help. Our dentist, Dr. Kirti Tewari, has been trained to recognize the symptoms of this condition and will be happy to examine your mouth. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please don’t hesitate to contact Kirti Tewari Dental PC at 718-547-7570. We look forward to hearing from you!