Sleep apnea cases are rising in the United States and are becoming more common than ever before. Sleep apnea is a big problem that can seriously affect your health and should be addressed by a medical professional right away. A disorder that results in irregular breathing, sleep apnea causes your body to slow down and breathe less frequently or, in some cases, stop breathing entirely. It can result in serious medical problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. Here are some symptoms of sleep apnea:
Loud snoring
Morning headaches and nausea
Gasping or choking while sleeping
Loss of sex drive/impotence
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Irritability and/or feelings of depression
Disturbed sleep
Concentration and memory problems
Frequent nighttime urination
While the problems of sleep apnea occur in your airways, the symptoms occur in the mouth. That is where your dentist can help! A dentist can examine your mouth and find any irregularities that might be causing sleep apnea. They also have the power to write prescriptions to fix it! Your dentist will be able to consult with you on changing certain habits that could contribute to abnormal breathing. With something as vital as breathing, you can never be too careful, so contact Lifetime Smiles Adult and Pediatric Dentistry today to learn more about sleep apnea prevention and safe ways to stay healthy.