Why You Should Talk to Your Dentist About Sleep Apnea
Posted on Feb 12, 2018 3:45pm PST
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.