Blog

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, allowing soft tissue to collapse and block the airway. Sleep apnea can cause loud snoring and frequent waking throughout the night. It disrupts your sleep and leaves you feeling tired during the day. 

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two types of sleep apnea – central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a problem with the part of the brain that controls breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of the disorder. It occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses into the airway, blocking the airflow. This may happen because of excess weight, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum. In children, the condition is often caused by large adenoids. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problem. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment With the Dentist in Mountain View, CA

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, our Mountain View Dentist may recommend a variety of treatments. Losing weight, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and avoiding alcohol before bed may all help to reduce symptoms. In some cases, medication can be prescribed to help regulate breathing. Other treatment options by the dentist in Mountain View, CA, include:

Traditional CPAP Therapy With Dentist in Mountain View, CA

The traditional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure machine, which blows a gentle stream of air into the patient’s nose through a specially designed mask. This keeps the airway open with a constant flow of oxygen throughout the night. The machine is worn every night as prescribed by the dentist in Mountain View.

Once the symptoms have been improved or eliminated, many patients find that they are not sleepy during the day anymore. Their quality of sleep has also improved dramatically. Many patients report that they feel like their brain has woken up, and they can think clearly again!

Oral Appliances With Dentist in Mountain View, CA

If a patient finds that they cannot adjust to wearing a CPAP machine, there are also alternatives available that may be tried, such as an oral appliance that is designed specifically by dentist in Mountain View for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea. This appliance fits comfortably in the mouth and repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. It may be adjusted as needed for comfort while sleeping.

An oral appliance, or mandibular advancement device (MAD), is worn at night to keep your jaw in a forward position while you sleep. This prevents the airway from being blocked and prevents sleep apnea events from occurring. MADs are recommended for both snoring and mild cases of sleep apnea. If you have been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, your Mountain View Cosmetic Dentist may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact your dentist in Mountain View to schedule an appointment. We will provide appropriate treatments after considering your condition and medical history.

For more information about the best treatments for your dental issues, visit Mountain View Advanced Dental in Mountain View, CA, or call our dental clinic at (650) 988-9458.