Suspect You Have Sleep Apnea? Take Our Quiz!
Sleep apnea is a that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. Patients who have severe sleep apnea can stop breathing up to thousands of times in one night. The result is disrupted sleep, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing.
The good news is that our dentists can create an oral appliance for you to wear at night. This device moves your jaws forward, preventing the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing. This helps to keep your upper airway clear while you sleep.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, we strongly advise that you schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible.
Would People Describe Your Snoring as Loud?
Vibration creates sound. When air isn’t able to pass through your nose and throat with ease, the surrounding tissues vibrate. This creates the sound we associate with snoring.
Almost everyone snores on occasion. But you may want to rule out sleep apnea if it’s a chronic problem and you have other symptoms.
Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?
After a sleep apnea episode, you may choke, snort, or gasp loudly upon waking. If your partner has observed this behavior, call our dental practice today.
Do you have daytime sleepiness?
Do you sleep about 8 hours a night and still feel tired? The problem may be that you’re not getting the deep sleep you need to feel rested.
People with sleep apnea wake up several times a night, though they may not remember doing so in the morning.
When you stop breathing, your brain wakes you up to jumpstart your respiratory system. If you have chronic daytime sleepiness, consult with your doctor or our dentist.
Are you carrying extra weight?
People who are carrying extra weight are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. This is because the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep. This blocks your upper airway.
Losing weight can help relieve your symptoms. But we recommend asking our dentists about getting a snoring and sleep apnea device in the meantime.
Is your neck circumference more than 16 inches (for women) or more than 17 inches (for men)?
A thicker neck could mean that your airway is narrower than the average person’s. The narrower your airway is, the harder it is for air to move through your nose and throat.
Are you over 50 years old?
Your risk for sleep apnea increases as you get older. To learn more, be sure to check out our blog post on how your oral health may change as you age.
Are you a male?
Males are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than females. But this doesn’t mean women are off the hook. Women can still get this condition, especially if they’re overweight or have other risk factors.
Request an Appointment With Us
Do you recognize any of the we described here? If so, call our dental office in Shelby Township, MI. Our dentists can refer you to the appropriate specialist for a sleep study. To schedule an appointment with Frank Ruffino DDS or our other dentists, call (586) 799-4240.
