Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder, but what exactly causes it? At Smiles of Bulverde, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. Let's delve into the causes of sleep apnea and explore the sleep apnea treatment options in San Antonio.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This interruption can lead to a variety of health issues, including daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Understanding the causes of sleep apnea is the first step towards finding an effective sleep apnea treatment in San Antonio that improves both sleep quality and overall health.
Many cases of sleep apnea can be treated by dentists using custom oral appliances that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Dental sleep apnea treatment is often recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
One major cause of sleep apnea is the relaxation of the muscles in the back of your throat. When these muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and breathing momentarily ceases. This pattern can repeat itself five to thirty times or more each hour, all night, impairing your ability to reach the deep, restful phases of sleep.
Obesity is another significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Excess body weight contributes to sleep apnea by causing fat deposits around the upper airway that obstruct breathing. Losing weight can often reduce the severity of sleep apnea and is a key part of any comprehensive sleep apnea treatment plan in San Antonio.
Age and gender also play a role in sleep apnea. Men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than women. However, women increase their risk if they're overweight, and their risk also rises after menopause. Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in older adults as well.
Other factors that can cause or contribute to sleep apnea include smoking, nasal congestion, diabetes, and a family history of sleep apnea. Even the shape of your neck and head can influence your airway's size and its potential to narrow or collapse.
Yes, untreated sleep apnea can worsen over time and increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and chronic fatigue. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce these risks and improve overall quality of life.
Given the numerous potential causes of sleep apnea, proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and is often identified early during routine preventive dental care. This process begins with a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms. In some cases, we may recommend a sleep study to gather more detailed information about your sleep patterns and breathing.
Once we have a clear understanding of the underlying causes of your sleep apnea, we can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or smoking cessation, as well as specific therapies like oral appliance therapy or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, don't wait. Reach out to us at Smiles of Bulverde. Drs. Jamie Knox and Lisa Ding are here to help you understand your condition and guide you towards the best sleep apnea treatment in San Antonio. Call us today at (210) 907-8666 to request an appointment. Your journey to better sleep and improved health starts here.
In many cases, yes. Because sleep apnea is a medical condition, oral appliance therapy is often covered under medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Our team at Smiles of Bulverde can help you navigate your benefits to make your treatment as affordable as possible.
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious long-term health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Because it prevents deep REM sleep, it also leads to chronic fatigue, which can impair your focus at work and increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
"Better" depends on the severity of your condition, but oral appliances are often preferred for their comfort and compliance. Unlike a CPAP, an oral appliance is silent, does not require electricity, and is easy to travel with. Many patients who struggle with the "mask" of a CPAP find success and relief with a custom dental device.
Yes! For many patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a dentist can provide Oral Appliance Therapy. This involves a custom-fit device, similar to a mouthguard, that gently shifts the lower jaw forward. This position keeps the throat tissues from collapsing and ensures your airway remains open throughout the night.
The most common signs are loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and feeling excessively tired during the day. Many patients also experience morning headaches, dry mouth, or irritability. Since these symptoms occur while you are asleep, often it is a bed partner who first notices the pauses in breathing.
