Why You Should Talk to Your Dentist About Sleep Apnea

You see a dentist in Belmont when you need teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or root canals, but your dentist can help you with sleep apnea as well. Sleep apnea is a common condition, but you might not even know that you have it, since it occurs in your sleep. If you, your sleeping partner, or your dentist recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea, you can start on a treatment plan and get better rest at night. This means your partner will sleep better as well, and you’ll be a healthier person to top it off. Here’s why you should talk to your dentist about sleep apnea.

Sleep Better

Whether you know you have it or not, sleep apnea continuously disrupts your sleep throughout the night. The condition happens when your airways don’t allow enough air to get to your lungs and brain. Eventually your body will wake itself up, so you can catch your breath, but this interrupts your circadian rhythm, which means your sleep cycle will be thrown off. Your dentist can treat your symptoms with the help of a special sleep apnea mask that opens your airways and lets you breathe normally throughout the night.

Stop Disturbing Your Partner

People who suffer from sleep apnea tend to snore loudly and consistently, because their bodies are trying to force air through closed off airways. People with sleep apnea will lose sleep because of the condition, but their partners will lose sleep because of the snoring. Talking to your dentist about sleep apnea is the first step in treating the condition and reducing or eliminating the symptoms, which means getting rid of the snoring. After treatment, you and your partner should both be able to get much more restful nights of sleep.

Improve Your Health

Waking up in the middle of the night because you can’t breathe isn’t good for your health. You may experience fatigue, mood changes, and headaches during the day, and you may be at a higher risk for other health conditions. Talk to your dentist and lower your risk for diabetes and heart disease.