Perhaps you might have thought that a dentist cannot help with sleep disorders. Well, that's not true. Dental specialists can help with troubling sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. In this disorder, a patient stops breathing at night and starts again. This happens repeatedly, hence causing problems with sleep. Some patients can get help with oral appliances to help prevent episodes of apnea at night. Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
You Repeatedly Stop Breathing
It is hard to notice that you stop breathing during episodes of obstructive sleep apnea. However, a partner or family member can identify this symptom. During this time, there is a period of silence often followed by loud snoring and choking sounds.
Disturbances in Sleep
One of the most obvious signs of sleep apnea is sleep disturbances. You may have difficulties falling and staying asleep. Since you don't get enough sleep at night, you will feel tired during the day. In sleep apnea, sleep doesn't feel restful because your body is trying to fight for oxygen, almost the entire time you are in bed at night.
Physical Signs
Due to a lack of sufficient oxygen and sleep, you may have physical signs indicating sleep apnea. For instance, you could have headaches, particularly when you wake up. You may also have swollen legs.
Mental Problems
Sleep deprivation affects your mental state. If you are deprived of sleep so severely as in the case of sleep apnea, the symptoms can be disruptive. Short-temper, difficulties remembering things, and lack of concentration are some of the mental issues you may experience. You may even suffer from depression and stress.
Our prosthodontic team believes in a good night's sleep since it is important for a healthy smile. Visit us if you think you have obstructive sleep apnea. We can provide an oral appliance to help with your sleep disorder.
Dental Blog | Dallas Prosthodontics - Dallas, TX Drs. Castellon and Buskin are offering this educational blog as a resource to our patients and the community. We hope that this blog will help you. Learn more. Dallas Prosthodontics, 6029 Belt Line Road, Suite 120, Dallas, TX 75254; (972) 503-7200; dallasprosthodontics.com; 9/29/2024; Page Phrases: Prosthodontist Dallas TX;