When to Visit Your Dentist for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that millions of people can live with and not even realize they have. Maybe because it’s so common, it can also be easy to dismiss. Unfortunately, sleep apnea can go from minor to severe if you’re not careful. Here, we’ll look at who to turn to for help and when it’s time to visit a dentist in Windermere, FL.

What to Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be treated by multiple professionals, including a general practitioner, a sleep specialist, or even a neurologist. Because sleep apnea can be caused by anything from stress to obesity to a stroke, patients may need to work with multiple people to reduce or eliminate interruptions.

Dentists (and sometimes orthodontists) can assist if your airway is blocked by tissues or misalignments of the teeth or jaw. They can analyze how you breathe and determine what’s impeding the airflow before making their recommendations. For example, braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth and move the jaw, both of which can open up the passageways even as your muscles relax when you’re at rest.

Whenever possible, they’ll correct the underlying issue, so that you breathe naturally without the help of external devices. However, you may need appliances, like a CPAP machine to open your airways, in the interim to avoid disruptions.

Sleep Apnea in Windermere, FL

Many people seek treatments for sleep apnea in Windermere, FL because they have a partner who wants a more silent night. However, if you find yourself waking up for seemingly no reason or feeling exhausted without cause, you may be suffering from apnea without realizing it. If you’re concerned about your sleep quality, contact the team at Inspired Dental to see if we can help.