At Gold Coast Family Dental of Port Washington, we know our patients love a good amount of rest each night in order to be energized for the day and week ahead. After all, without enough sleep, daytime exhaustion is the most immediate consequence.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that an indicate serious health problems. The most common symptom is loud snoring, but the condition is characterized by breathing that repeatedly starts and stops throughout the night, leaving you feeling tired in the morning. Other serious effects from sleep apnea could be potentially dangerous to your health if left unaddressed, a great reason to visit the doctor.
Besides losing precious hours of sleep, sleep apnea also elevates the risk of heart attack and stroke, and may cause other conditions such as depression, irritability, high blood pressure, memory loss, and sexual dysfunction.
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but it is more common among middle-aged adults who are overweight. The doctor can help you determine the cause and suggest possible treatment.
A common treatment for sleep apnea is an oral device that is designed to help keep the airway open. By bringing the jaw forward, the device opens the airway and discourages snoring. The doctor and our team are experienced with sleep apnea appliances and can prescribe a fitted device and monitor its effectiveness each time you visit.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask is one of the treatment options you may choose. A mask is fitted over the mouth and forces oxygen through the throat while you sleep, and the pressure holds the soft tissue and throat muscles open.
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, visit our Port Washington, New York office. Our team at Gold Coast Family Dental of Port Washington can help you return to getting a better night’s sleep.
