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signs of sleep apnea

6 Hidden Signs that you could have Sleep Apnea

Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that as many as 9% of American adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. That extrapolates out to 18 million people. Even more disturbing? The total number of sleep apnea cases in the country is merely an estimate, as many with the sleep breathing disorder never have it diagnosed or treated. Living with untreated sleep apnea means you likely are suffering from long-term sleep deprivation, lower oxygen levels in your body, and a higher risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease and stroke. If you have sleep apnea or even if you suspect it, finding treatment is a must. That’s why your sleep apnea dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, comprised this list of six signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sign 1: Snoring

Snoring is considered the most common and most obvious symptom of a sleep breathing disorder. When you snore, the soft tissue in your throat vibrates as air passes around it. Just because you snore does not mean you have sleep apnea but, in the vast majority of cases, most patients with sleep apnea do snore or gasp for air while sleeping.

Sign 2: Waking up with a dry mouth and/or a sore throat

Wanting something to drink right after you wake up is natural, but if you have excessive thirst or cottonmouth, it means you are probably breathing with your mouth open while asleep, which is considered a textbook symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sign 3: Having frequent headaches

Everyone gets a headache from time to time, but if you experience painful headaches regularly, the culprit could be low oxygen levels due to sleep apnea. Each time an airway blockage occurs, a sleep apnea patient finds it harder to breathe or stops breathing altogether. This disruption in airflow wakes the brain, which sends signals to the body to resume breathing. Now, consider that someone with severe sleep apnea may experience these apneic events a hundred or more times per hour!

Sign 4: Bruxism

This is the clinical term for clenching or grinding your teeth. Bruxism can be a symptom of anxiety, and anxiety can manifest if you are sleeping poorly and rely on caffeine to keep going through your daily routine. People grind their teeth when they are stressed or anxious, creating a vicious cycle, and the extra force exerted on your teeth when grinding or clenching can do tremendous damage.

Sign 5: Unexplainable weight gain

You’re watching your diet and exercising regularly but not seeing any difference on the scale. In fact, your weight seems to be going in the opposite direction. Sleep apnea could be the cause. When you have sleep apnea, you’re not getting the quality, restful sleep you need to be your best. Sleep deprivation can affect your mood and make you more predisposed to snacking on unhealthy foods or just eating more in general. Weight gain can elevate your risk for diabetes, and people with diabetes already face a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.

Sign 6: Frequent acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back up into your esophagus. Aside from being painful, reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus, as well as your tooth enamel. While not a commonly known symptom of sleep apnea, the two conditions should be related. If you’re undergoing a sleep apnea screening and experiencing reflux regularly, make sure you let your provider know.

How can your dentist help with sleep apnea?

While only a sleep specialist can make an official diagnosis of sleep apnea, certain dentists are qualified to treat the disorder. This is a specialization known as sleep apnea dentistry, focusing on airway management. A sleep apnea dentist treats the disorder by targeting the root cause—the airway blockage.

At Tenaglia Smiles, we prefer to treat sleep apnea through the use of an oral airway dilator. This is an intraoral appliance that is custom-made for each patient, making for a secure, snug, comfortable fit in the mouth. When worn, the oral airway dilator keeps the airway open throughout the night, thus preventing obstructions and blockages that create apneic events.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing

We all need a good night’s sleep to be at our best, physically and mentally, every day. If you or someone you love has sleep apnea, getting quality rest is virtually impossible. Moreover, sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that only will get worse if it goes untreated. Dr. Christine Tenaglia is here to help you get relief from your sleep apnea. Start getting the rest you deserve. Schedule a consultation at Tenaglia Smiles today by going online or calling (517) 347-6733 if you live in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing in Michigan.

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