A primary care doctor should always be consulted when it comes to treatments for sleep apnea, but there are options our Tampa, FL, dentist can help you explore if your case is mild to moderate. We can evaluate your symptoms as well as family and medical history to help you sleep better and wake feeling properly rested. The most common approach will involve a night guard-like device.
Before a one-on-one meeting, here’s more about sleep apnea treatment and how we can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
The term sleep apnea describes a condition in which an individual’s breathing temporarily stops and starts again while sleeping. In some cases, this can be serious and put the individual at increased risk for health complications like high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.
Constantly waking due to inconsistent breathing can also lead to overall fatigue even after a full night’s rest. This can mean feeling sluggish and generally unproductive throughout the day. For many, these symptoms can disrupt daily life and negatively affect personal relationships.
If you regularly have low energy despite a good sleep schedule, ask our local family dentist about a sleep apnea diagnosis. We can develop a custom oral sleep appliance, or mandibular advancement device (MAD), for you to wear instead of using a CPAP machine and refer you to a local if needed.
Are There Sleep Apnea Warning Signs?
Since there are multiple , symptoms can often overlap and complicate a precise diagnosis. However, there are several indicators related to sleep apnea that you, or a family member, should pay attention to and keep in mind.
We recommend getting a professional opinion if you:
- Snore loudly
- Have been told by another person that you frequently stop breathing during sleep or experience episodes of teeth grinding or clenching
- Gasp for air when sleeping
- Wake up with a dry mouth or headache
- Have a hard time staying asleep or staying awake
- Feel irritable after you’ve woken up
Depending on the type you have and its severity, sleep disorder treatment at our Tampa, FL, dental office can differ. Sometimes lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms while other times, a special oral device needs to be made to prevent throat blockage.
What Are the Odds of Developing Sleep Apnea?
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing and needing treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It’s worth noting that while these are common, having just one of these risk factors does not mean you have the condition. Our dentist will need to conduct a sleep apnea screening and may even consult with your primary care doctor if needed.
That said, one significant factor is obesity, as excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fat deposits in the throat, narrowing the airway. Other common risk factors include:
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Thicker neck circumference
- Smoking
- Alcohol or sedative use
- Being male
- Age (more common in middle-aged and older individuals)
Additionally, certain anatomical features like a narrow throat or enlarged tonsils and adenoids can contribute to OSA. Recognizing these risk factors is essential for early identification and .
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Evaluation
Let our sleep apnea dentist in Tampa, FL, know if you’ve been experiencing mild to moderate signs of the condition and we can coordinate with your doctor on the best path forward. Call Imagine Dental today at (813) 866-7080 or contact us online to request an appointment.