Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. The most prevalent form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, causing temporary blockages in the airway. These pauses in breathing can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night, often without the individual being fully aware of them.
Sleep Apnea & Your Health
Untreated sleep apnea poses significant risks to your overall health. It can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, liver complications and even increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also severely disrupt your quality of life by causing chronic fatigue, mood swings and concentration problems.
Recognizing the Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed, in part because the symptoms often appear during sleep. However, certain daytime signs may indicate a problem. You should speak to our dentist and your physician if you notice the following symptoms:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking noises during sleep
- Frequent awakenings or insomnia
- Waking with a sore or dry throat
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician, often with the help of a sleep study. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment can begin to help you reclaim restful sleep and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Alison Kudish may recommend an oral appliance as a treatment option. These custom-fitted devices are worn during sleep and work by keeping the airway open. They may reposition the lower jaw or prevent the tongue from collapsing back into the throat.
Oral appliance therapy is a convenient and noninvasive solution that is often well tolerated by patients who find continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines uncomfortable. It is portable, quiet and easy to maintain, making it an excellent alternative for many individuals.
Schedule Your Consultation
Our experienced dentist and team are committed to helping you improve your health and quality of life through effective sleep apnea treatment in Trumbull, Connecticut. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, we encourage you to contact our office at 203-377-0638 and schedule a consultation with our dentist.