Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea  

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition affecting up to 22 million Americans of all ages. The problem can also be a serious one, because it causes people to stop breathing temporarily in their sleep.

Sleep apnea results from airway blockage due to the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing during sleep. Frequent interruptions to sleep can cause daytime fatigue, stress, anxiety, heart rhythm issues, and deprive vital organs of oxygen. Fine Art of Family Dentistry is pleased to offer sleep apnea treatment in Salina, Kansas that eliminates the root cause of these issues.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 25 percent of American men develop sleep apnea compared to 10 percent of women. Besides male gender, other common risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a large neck circumference
• Small jaw that creates an overbite
• Low-hanging soft palate
• Enlarged tonsils
• Nasal obstruction
• A central nervous system problem such as a previous stroke

Having one or more of these issues doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop sleep apnea, but it is important to evaluate your risk factors and control them if possible.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea may not hear their loud snoring or remember waking up gasping for air. If they sleep with someone else, it is usually that person who notices those symptoms first. Some other common symptoms include:

• Cognitive impairment, such as difficulty concentrating or memory issues

• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty settling down to fall asleep
• Dry or sore throat in the morning
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Night sweats
• Sexual dysfunction

The good news about sleep apnea is that treating it can be as simple as wearing a mouthguard at night. We invite you to learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Salina, Kansas from your local dentist by contacting us at 785-823-5568.