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Signs You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and potentially dangerous condition caused by the throat muscles blocking the flow of air to the lungs during sleep. In this article, we discuss the signs of obstructive sleep apnea and why you should seek professional sleep apnea treatment.

 

Signs You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Below, we list some of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. However, remember that only your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis after a comprehensive medical exam.

  • Snoring loudly
  • Periods of not breathing during sleep
  • Gasping for air or choking during sleep
  • Dryness in the mouth in the morning
  • Having headaches in the morning
  • Difficulties falling or staying asleep
  • Feeling sleepy and tired during the day
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Feeling irritable 

 

Complications of Sleep Apnea

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, we recommend seeking professional medical help as soon as possible. This sleep disorder can cause life-threatening consequences, as it increases pressure in the heart and blood vessels. As a result, heart damage and heart failure might occur. Other complications of sleep apnea include:

  • Type 2 diabetes due to the increased risk of developing insulin resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels
  • Liver issues because sleep apnea might increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Sleep deprivation, fatigue during the day, and trouble concentrating
  • Potential complications during surgeries and sedation

 

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In the back of our throats, muscles support the palate, the uvula, the tongue, the tonsils, and the walls of the throat. When these muscles relax and can no longer provide necessary support, the airway in the throat becomes too narrow for the air to pass freely. In some cases, the airway can become blocked entirely. This condition causes snoring, choking, and constant waking for up to 30 times an hour during the night.

 

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can occur regardless of age or gender. However, there are several risk factors for this condition:

  • Excessive weight or obesity, which can cause fat deposits to accumulate near the upper airway, obstructing breathing at night
  • Having a naturally thicker neck structure and narrow airways
  • Enlarged adenoids or tonsils that block airways (an often cause of sleep apnea in children)
  • Advanced age
  • Being male (according to statistics, males have sleep apnea 2 to 3 times more often than women)
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Smoking (increases the inflammation and fluid retention in the throat and airway)
  • Consumption of alcohol or sedative drugs that increase muscle relaxation, including muscles in the throat
  • Trouble breathing through the nose due to anatomical structure or chronic nasal congestion 
  • Medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, prior stroke, diabetes type 2, hormonal issues, asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome, and others

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Methods

In general, there are two ways to treat sleep apnea: surgical and nonsurgical. Surgical procedures include:

  • Removal of some of the tissue from the top of the throat and the back of the mouth
  • Tonsils or adenoid removal
  • Maxillomandibular advancement (jaw surgery)—repositioning the upper and lower parts of the jaw by moving them forward and thus enlarging the area behind the tongue and soft palate
  • Surgical implantation of an impulse generator device under the skin in the upper chest for upper airway stimulation
  • Tracheostomy—surgically creating an opening in the neck and inserting a tube for air to pass to and from the lungs, avoiding the blocked area in the throat (this method is usually employed if other methods have failed and sleep apnea condition is life-threatening)
  • Nasal surgeries to improve the structure of the nose, thus allowing the air to pass freely through the nose (in cases when nasal structure or congestion issues cause sleep apnea)

The most common nonsurgical options for obstructive sleep apnea treatment include:

  • Using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and headgear. With this method of treatment, a machine delivers the air through a device that is placed in or over your nose or mouth while you sleep. CPAP devices are a common and effective method of treating sleep apnea.
  • Wearing a mouthpiece at night that keeps the airway in the throat open during sleep. Such devices can reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea by bringing the lower jaw forward or holding the tongue in a different position.

 

Make an Appointment Today

Do not postpone seeing an obstructive sleep apnea specialist in Los Angeles if you experience breathing disruptions and loud snoring at night or suffer from other sleep apnea symptoms during the day. We look forward to welcoming you to the Samaritan Dental office.

 

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How Sleep Apnea Affects Oral Health

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You may not think of the dentist at first when you picture sleep apnea, but nobody knows better than experts at our local downtown LA dental office how sleep apnea affects oral health. Dealing with dangerous sleep disorders like these can lead to a number of dental health issues, ultimately leading to failing health all throughout the body. Today, we are going to list some negative implications of unchecked sleep apnea on overall oral health.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Oral Health

When sleeping is interrupted by a sudden shortness of breath, the constructed airways can cause sleep apnea. This dangerous condition occurs when breathing momentarily stops, which can interrupt much-needed sleep cycles. This lack of oxygen causes the sleeper to snore loudly, have hitched breaths during sleep, or even occasionally choke and gasp for breath while asleep.

While some folks don’t notice the effects of sleep apnea right away, common symptoms include consistent fatigue, headaches, jaw pain, and high blood pressure. Whether or not you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is a good idea to speak with your dentist about it.

Oral Health Problems from Sleep Apnea

You may not believe that you are displaying some of the biggest symptoms of sleep apnea, but it may be showing up in your overall dental health. The following issues should be addressed with your dental professional as soon as possible.

TMJ

Also called a temporomandibular joint disorder, TMJ highlights pain in the hinges of the jaw that connect the upper and lower parts of the mouth. Your TMJ issues might increase as a result of sleep apnea, since you may be unconsciously clenching your jaw for hours on end throughout the night.

Tooth Grinding

Going hand-in-hand with TMJ pain, teeth grinding can occur overnight when exhibiting symptoms of sleep apnea. When your airways become obstructed, you may start grinding or clenching your mouth in order to clear up those breathing pathways. This can result in pain and headaches during your waking hours, which can be detrimental to your health.

Dry Mouth

Snoring with your mouth open at night can result in some pretty serious dry mouth. Whether you are aware of having sleep apnea or not, it’s a good idea to treat instances of dry mouth right away to avoid an increased risk of infections and cavities. Your expert dentist may recommend a filling or even a round of antibiotics to fully clean out your mouth.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

There are several ways to diagnose this harmful sleeping condition. Since it has so many effects on your oral health, you can visit a dentist for a sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. You are more likely to have sleep apnea if you are dealing with congestive heart failure or are at risk of having a stroke. Heavy drinkers are also at a higher risk of sleep apnea. If you have nasal congestion out of nowhere, you may also be a likely candidate for sleep apnea treatment.

Receive Personalized Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we want to treat more than just the surface of your teeth. Oral health is deeply connected to the rest of the body, so when it starts to suffer, you are bound to feel worse and worse. Get effective sleep apnea treatment near you today when you contact our experts for a full diagnosis and care plan. Sleep apnea can result in symptoms of snoring, dry mouth, and an increased likelihood of gum disease. Avoid all of these issues and set yourself up for a future of good dental health when you contact us ASAP.

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Dangers of Sleep Apnea

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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes breathing problems during sleep. Many people dealing with sleep apnea do not even realize that they have the condition. But if their partner or family member reports a heavy amount of snoring, this could be a sure sign that something is wrong. Let’s investigate the dangers of sleep apnea.

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Your dentist in downtown Los Angeles often connects some important links between sleep and oral health. There are many dangers of sleep apnea that could be affecting you if let it go untreated. Some patients may even suffer brain damage due to underlying sleep apnea conditions. Take a look at the following information and get in touch with us to schedule your sleep apnea appointment with us ASAP.

Sleep Apnea Causes and Symptoms

How does sleep apnea begin? If it’s not treated promptly, sleep apnea could prove fatal. Your partner or you may both be able to identify the most common signs of sleep apnea while sleeping. Some symptoms include:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Insomnia or trouble falling asleep
  • Changes in mood
  • Sleeping in a coma-like state
  • Gasping for air or choking when you wake up
  • Frequent headaches in the morning
  • Forgetfulness

Sleep apnea could be made more likely by certain risk factors. Your risk factors include sudden weight gain, a family history of sleep disorder, smoking, and alcohol consumption. You may feel mood and happiness problems if you have sleep apnea as well, which could lead to the need for mental healthcare.

Sleep Apnea and its Mental Effects

On the subject of mental health, it is possible that the more common symptoms of sleep apnea might not be obvious immediately. Sometimes it may take some time to realize something is wrong. Research has demonstrated a stronger link between sleep apnea and mental health than we previously thought, which helps to speed along the diagnosis process. People with sleep apnea, especially if it is not diagnosed early on, can have higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Additional studies have shown an increase in cognitive impairment. Reduced brain function is to blame, as sleep apnea cuts off oxygen from your body’s control center. Over time, this could make you feel more and more sick, increasing the urgency of your need to see a doctor.

Sleep Apnea And Memory Loss

Some forms of sleep apnea can cause memory loss and, in extreme cases, can lead to the forgetting of important life events. Sleep apnea is linked to memory loss, which is not surprising considering the fact that it can also cause fatigue. Patients may find it difficult to recall details about life events. Sometimes, patients mistakenly perceive long-term memories as short-term memories and forget how much time has passed between that event and now.

Restoring Brain Damage from Sleep Apnea

According to some studies, sleep apnea can be reversed. Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, the chances of getting a complete recovery are high. There are several ways to improve your brain’s functionality and health.

A CPAP machine, which you can use while you sleep, is the most popular and effective treatment. Studies show that people who have used CPAP for a year can improve and regrow their white matter, thereby reducing the damage.

Get the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

Sleep apnea is most commonly associated with memory problems, mental health issues, sore throats, snoring, and heart problems. This condition can have serious consequences for your whole body if not treated properly over time. Get in touch with your trusted doctor or dental experts today to learn more about an effective solution to your sleeping problems. Get the best sleep apnea treatment in Downtown Los Angeles when you sign up for a personal consultation ASAP.

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How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

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Sleep apnea is a difficult condition to keep track of as it really only affects you while you are sleeping. But although sleep apnea happens at night, there are certain symptoms that can appear at any time of the day, affecting your daily life. If you feel sleepy or drowsy during the day, you might be dealing with extended symptoms of sleep apnea. Stay aware of your symptoms and get in touch with your sleep apnea treatment Downtown Los Angeles specialist if you feel how sleep apnea affects daily life.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

Most sleep doctors will tell you that the most prominent symptom of sleep apnea is excessive snoring. While you sleep, you might start having gasping breaths and hitched breathing, which is a big indicator of sleep apnea.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to many serious health issues, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Insomnia
  • Diabetes

While snoring is a big symptom of sleep apnea, it’s not the only symptom. There are other day-to-day symptoms that you should be on the lookout for.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea During the Day

How does sleep apnea rear its ugly head throughout your day? Here are a few telling signs and symptoms:

Headaches in the Morning

Do you constantly wake up with a headache? Unless you have had too much to drink the night before, you are probably unsure of the source of these mysterious morning headaches. One explanation for your morning headaches is that you are suffering from some kind of sleep disorder. It is important that you make an appointment with your sleep apnea specialist so you can get an accurate diagnosis for your headaches.

Too Much Tiredness

If you wake up and just can’t shake the sleepiness no matter how much coffee you drink, you might be dealing with tiredness due to sleep apnea. In fact, daytime drowsiness is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea that sleep specialists look for when making a diagnosis.

The reason you may feel tired and drowsy all the time is that sleep apnea causes your sleep to be interrupted multiple times throughout the night, which doesn’t give your brain the ability to get rest like it needs to. Due to these multiple sleep interruptions, you won’t feel fully rested during the day.

Focus and Mood Issues

Do you have the hardest time staying focused? Do you find that you have concentration issues and you get irritable more easily than usual? This could be a sure sign of sleep apnea. Our specialists have found that many people with untreated sleep apnea are more depressed and irritated throughout the day and can’t stay focused on a single task. If you feel you may be going through a similar symptom, get in touch with our Samaritan Dental Arts specialists for assessment and treatment.

Get the Best Treatment for OSA Today!

OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, can affect your ability to be awake, focused, and healthy throughout the day. While sleep apnea is typically characterized by snoring and sleep interruptions, there are many symptoms to be on the lookout for. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer treatments for sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders.

There is a strong connection between sleep apnea and oral hygiene. Sleep apnea can affect the way you breathe, impeding your ability to give your brain and body the rest it deserves. If you are looking for a sleep apnea diagnosis and want to learn more about treatment, you can schedule a consultation with the best dentist Downtown Los Angeles has by calling our office today. Don’t wait another day to get the treatment you need!

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Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary?

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Sleep apnea is a serious condition, and it can get worse the longer it goes untreated. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when the throat muscles are too relaxed, making it too easy for the throat to close. That is why the most significant symptom of sleep apnea includes the inability to breathe for short periods of time. But is sleep apnea hereditary?

Your trusted dentist or sleep expert should assess this very dangerous condition. Sleep apnea has many effects on dental health, which is why it is our job at Samaritan Dental Arts to provide the best treatment possible. If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, look no further.

Many of our patients wonder whether sleep apnea is a hereditary trait that can be inherited or passed down. Today, we want to explore that while offering different diagnosis and treatment options available to you.

Let’s Look at the Statistics

After extensive research, the Sleep Research Society determined that sleep apnea can be attributed to genetics about 40% of the time. This means that yes, it does have the possibility of being hereditary. If your parents or family members have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you do have a risk of developing the condition yourself.

The possibility of developing this condition through genetics goes even beyond that. Some of the biggest risk factors that can lead to the development of sleep apnea are also genetics.

This includes factors such as:

  • Obesity
  • Thick neck
  • Nasal congestion
  • Large tonsils
  • Hypothyroidism

If you have a family history of any of the above conditions, it’s essential to speak with your local experts to determine the safest measures for you.

Other Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Other than the hereditary conditions, there are environmental and lifestyle factors that can create a risk for this dangerous condition as well. These include:

  • Smoking
  • Aging
  • Menopause
  • Using an excess of alcohol
  • Using sedatives
  • Having a small jaw

If you fear that you are at risk for developing sleep apnea, or you have already started showing symptoms of the condition, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. This is a life-threatening situation as sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing in your sleep.

Getting Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment

Did you know that your dentist can provide effective obstructive sleep apnea treatments? Whether you seek the help of a sleep specialist or your local dental professionals, there are plenty of OSA treatment options available to you.

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we provide the following obstructive sleep apnea treatment in downtown Los Angeles:

  • Oral Appliances like a mouthguard can help maintain regular breathing and keep your mouth from closing during sleep.
  • CPAP machine therapy, which is the most popular and common form of treatment for sleep apnea.
  • Sleep hygiene therapy, which includes working with an expert to develop healthier sleeping habits
  • Surgery, as a last-resort intervention to fix tissues in the throat and tongue.

Knowing whether you are at risk for sleep apnea can help determine what treatments and interventions are needed. If you have been previously diagnosed with depression, diabetes, stroke, heart failure, or acid reflux, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea as well.

If you sleep in bed with someone and they point out that you have been snoring a lot, this is one of the most prominent signs that you may have issues with sleep apnea. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Zabolian right away so we can provide the best treatment possible.

Prevent Sleep Apnea Symptoms Today!

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be taken care of as soon as you suspect you are showing symptoms. Sleep apnea has a high chance of passing on through genes. Be sure to review your family history to see if any of them showed the signs.

Get started with your diagnosis and treatment options by contacting us online today. You can also give us a call at (213) 986-2933 to speak with a friendly representative. We look forward to helping you! We hope to help diagnose and treat your sleep apnea. Our office provides a range of dental treatments and procedures as well.