A patient of mine, Ryan, came in for his regular appointment recently. His teeth were in pretty good shape, and for the most part he thought that his dental routine was going well. He did have one concern, however (which he almost didn’t even mention), his wife had told him that he was snoring throughout the night, and that sometimes it sounded like he was gasping for air. Ryan wanted to know if this could mean that his teeth were shifting around. I told him that his bite and dental alignment were the same, but that the symptoms he described could be the results of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition in which a patient experiences obstructed breathing in the night. Many patients actually stop breathing for seconds or minutes at a time. Sleep apnea patients often suffer from fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability because they are not getting sufficient quality sleep. As I was explaining this condition to Ryan he become visibly concerned, “Is sleep apnea dangerous?” he asked.

Sleep apnea, left untreated, causes chronically low oxygen levels, and may contribute to increased adrenaline and stress levels. As a result untreated sleep apnea patients have a higher risk of suffering from:

·      Painful headaches

·      Strokes

·      Heart disease

·      Diabetes

·      Hypertension

·      Respiratory problems

·      Memory impairment

Our Sullivan sleep apnea dentists were able to fit Ryan with a comfortable and effective dental appliance that allowed him to breathe normally at night. He started feeling better rested, more focused, and energized. And best of all, he knew that was no longer putting himself at risk for serious health problems down the road. Timely, effective sleep apnea treatment lowers the risk of long-term health complications, so if you think you or someone you know my be suffering from sleep apnea, give our Sullivan sleep apnea dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment— (573) 321-4008.