Sleep Apnea

ProviDent Dental Group

Do You Snore At Night? This May Indicate You Have Sleep Apnea!

If you have sleep apnea, come see us at ProviDent Dental Group in Burbank, we’re here to help…

Snoring is one of the primary symptoms of sleep apnea. Snoring is usually caused by relaxed throat muscles and the tongue obstructing the airway when one is sleeping. Sometimes this lack of air into the lungs slows or momentarily stops respiratory effort. In short, those with sleep apnea stop breathing for a few seconds before their breathing starts up again. This may happen several times during the course of the night and can be dangerous. When the brain or heart does not have enough oxygen, damage to your body’s health can happen. At ProviDent Dental Group, our focus on complete health dentistry means using dental science and technology to tackle problems relatedto dental health that can adversely impact the important organ systems of the body. There are several factors that contribute to the likelihood that you have sleep apnea. Sometimes it can be genetic, other times it may be positional relative to your head, neck and tongue as you sleep. It may also be influenced by lifestyle habits and age. For example, men who smoke, are overweight, or are over the age of sixty are more prone to have this syndrome. Even though sleep apnea in Burbank is more common in men, it is possible for anyone to experience not breathing during their sleep, including children. Check out our reviews and see what our patients say about their treatments.

Who Does Sleep Apnea Affect?

The team at ProviDent Dental Group can help you with your snoring at night by evaluating if you are at risk for sleep apnea

  • You Are Male
  • Overweight: Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing. But, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight
  • Smoke: Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than are people who’ve never smoked
  • Family History: If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk
  • Congestion: If you have any difficulty breathing through your nose, you’re more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea
  • Age: Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in adults other than 60
  • Heritage: In people under 35 years old, blacks are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea

What Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Should You Be Looking For?

Sleep apnea in Burbank has some basic signs, take a look…

  • Are you a restless sleeper
  • Do you have trouble sleeping accompanied by snoring or a dry throat?

These are a few indications that you may have sleep apnea. If you have problems sleeping, there is often a reason, find out why! You may have sleep apnea, which requires a visit to ProviDent Dental Group in Burbank. Our sleep apnea specialists will help provide you with a definitive diagnosis. If you suffer with sleep apnea in Burbank, wake up choking and gasping for air, or have daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and a sore throat, then we can help. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be a very serious condition that can have damaging effects on the vital organ systems of your body and affect your general health. Some of the health conditions associated with sleep apnea include high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and even heart failure. If you think you or a friend or family family may be suffering from this sleep disorder, our dental team at ProviDent Dental Group in Burbank can help. One of your options is a C-Pap machine (continuous positive airway pressure), which uses constant air pressure to help the flow of oxygen into your lungs. This device is very effective and requires wearing a mask over your face while you sleep. An alternative to a mask over the nose and mouth is a smaller dental appliance placed in the mouth that eliminates airway obstruction caused by throat muscles and the tongue. Fortunately, whichever device you choose, your airway will open up and you will see a vast improvement in your ability to sleep well at night. You will also feel better during the day, being more alert and having more energy. If you are interested in our dental appliance or the C-Pap alternative in Burbank at ProviDent Dental Group, call us at (818) 260-9000 to see one of our doctors for your consultation.