Receiving complaints that you snore loudly or being told that you seem to struggle for breath when sleeping are common signs of something greater: sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway is blocked by the soft tissues of the throat, which is itself a result of jaw orientation.
At Laguna Palms Orthodontics we want our patients to understand warning signs of OSA, allowing them to seek through proper care through orthodontic appliance therapy.
Mental Side Effects
The lack of sleep that occurs from obstructive sleep apnea is often a clear sign that snoring may not be as benign as it seems. Sleep apnea regularly robs patients of a restful night’s sleep. This occurs as patients are unable to breathe normally throughout the night and wake up as the body attempts to gain enough air to function.
A lack of sleep leads to irritability and increased chances for depression. If you have been experiencing emotional distress in addition to a lack of sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Physical Signs of Sleep Apnea
Heavy snoring is a regular sign of obstructive sleep apnea, as it indicates the soft tissues vibrating as patients attempt to breathe. The heavy mouth breathing that results from snoring can also lead to gum recession, damaging a patient’s overall oral health.
Lasting exhaustion, well after having woken, is another telltale sign of sleep apnea and other sleep disordered breathing issues. Patients experiencing this condition are also at increased risk for accidents and injuries when operating motor vehicles. The long term effects of this strain to breathe at night can also lead to heart conditions and an increased susceptibility for stroke.
Don’t Let Yourself Lose Sleep
Laguna Palms Orthodontics is committed to providing patients with minimally invasive options to correct sleep apnea. We work with primary care physicians and examine the results of sleep studies to provide orthodontic appliances that meet patients’ unique needs for long-term oral and systemic health. Contact us today to schedule your exam and consultation for sleep apnea treatment.