Boost Your Sleeping Patterns with a Sleep Apnea Dentistry

Did you know that many people who suffer from sleep apnea are unaware of it? Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders in the US. Children and adults of both sexes are vulnerable to sleep apnea, but it’s most pronounced in men. If this condition is left unattended, it can culminate in health complications and sometimes death. Luckily, the good news is that once this sleep disorder is diagnosed, it can be treated once and for all by our Sleep Apnea Dentist in North Aurora, Illinois.

At North Aurora Smiles, under the care of Dr. Hammad Aziz, we believe that the first pivotal step in the journey of an individual’s wellbeing is a formidable breathing wellness initiative. Do you have anyone in mind you cherish struggling with sleep apnea? We are here to help!

What is sleep apnea?

It’s a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal breathing during sleep. Victims of sleep apnea have multiple elongated pauses when breathing while asleep. These common temporary breathing faults propagate reduced quality sleep and disrupt the body’s oxygen supply, resulting in potentially severe health complications such as depression and heart attack. 

Causes of sleep apnea

Obstructive apnea strikes when the victim’s airway gets blocked while asleep. Multiple prevailing factors have been linked with blockage and sleep apnea. They include:

• Obesity contributing to the narrowing of airways
• Anatomical characteristics like the size and positioning of the jaw, tongue, and person’s neck
• Use of sedatives, including alcohol and some medications
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Cigarette smoking
• Sleeping on your back causes the collapse of tissues around the airway
• Hormonal abnormalities like hypothyroidism and acromegaly

Symptoms of sleep apnea (adults)

Sleep apnea intensifies episodes of suppressed oxygen supply to the brain and other parts of the body. Sleep quality deteriorates, which causes daytime drowsiness and lack of clarity in the morning. Other symptoms include:

• Snoring
• Daytime Sleepiness
• Frequent sleep disruptions
• Feeling drowsy when driving or watching TV
• Forgetfulness or irritability
• Hyperactivity in children
• Consistent Headaches
• Mood disturbances like anxiety

Treatment and management of sleep apnea

Treatment is designed to normalize breathing when the victim is asleep and address any underlying health problems. These options are based on the cause and severity of symptoms. Some include:

Lifestyle changes

It encompasses following a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, managing weight, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Being the primary treatment for sleep apnea, it maintains the airway open by gently supplying a constant stream of positive pressure air via a mask. Someone can adjust the mask and its settings while adding moisture to the air as it flows through the cover, relieving nasal symptoms.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

For patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea or patients who can not tolerate the CPAP, an oral appliance may be an option for them. Most of these appliances fit like a night guard and  gently shift the lower jaw to open the airway to allow for better breathing while sleeping.

Vivos System

At North Aurora Smiles, we offer a non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical treatment for sleep apnea, referred to as the Vivos System. Unlike the above two options where the patient will have to wear the CPAP mask or oral appliance for their life to keep the sleep apnea under control, with Vivos patients can be treated in 12-24 months. This technology focuses on treating the core issue, for many people, of an underdeveloped mouth. By expanding and opening up the oral structures, a better airway is established and thus better breathing while sleeping.

Please schedule an appointment to be evaluated for possible sleep apnea with our dentist today!

Are you struggling with sleep apnea in North Aurora, Illinois? Don’t be stressed anymore; there is a remedy. Please contact (630) 984-2223 to schedule an appointment with North Aurora Smiles. Our goal for you is not just the health of your teeth but the well-being of your entire body.