Sleep Apnea

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes pauses or interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses reduce oxygen levels in the blood, leading to disturbed rest and serious health risks if left untreated. While sleep apnea is most common in adults, it can affect patients of all ages. A diagnosis often begins with medical history and testing, followed by a personalized treatment plan.

Dentists play an important role in helping manage sleep apnea. At Austgen Family Dental in Greenwood, Dr. Holly Austgen may recommend an oral appliance, such as a custom snore guard, for patients with mild to moderate cases. This device looks similar to a mouthguard but is designed to reposition the jaw and airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep.

Custom-made snore guards are created using an impression of your teeth to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. By gently holding the lower jaw forward, the appliance helps keep the airway open, reducing interruptions and improving sleep quality.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as loud snoring, morning fatigue, or restless sleep, our team is here to help you explore effective, non-surgical solutions for better rest and long-term health.

What Are the Root Causes of Sleep Apnea?                                                                        

• One of the foremost reasons for sleep apnea is obesity which causes the narrowing of the airways.
• Obstructive sleep apnea is quite common among people with a family medical history of the same.
• The size and positioning of a person’s neck, jaw, tongue, and other tissues near the throat also directly affect the airflow in a person.
• The tissues in the throat can relax, making it easier for the airway to become obstructed due to the excessive use of sedative medicines.
• One of the contributing factors to sleep apnea includes heavy smoking.
• Sleeping on your back makes it easier for tissues to fold around the airways, leading to blockages.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?                                                                        

The common symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

• Sleep apnea may cause a person to snore loudly during sleep.
• It can cause headaches in the mornings.
• One can awake from sleep gasping for air.
• A person can stop breathing during sleep.
• You may wake up from your sleep with a dry mouth.
• The breathing may get obstructed during sleep.
• Sleep apnea may cause insomnia in a patient.

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At Austgen Family Dental, we are committed to providing top-quality dental care for patients of all ages. Call us today at (317) 885-6400 to learn more about our sleep apnea services or schedule your appointment online.