Loud snoring, waking up often during the night, and daytime fatigue are all signs of sleep apnea. At Sunrise Dental of Lacey in Lacey, Washington, Matt Sahli, DDS, offers treatments that help you breathe easier and get a better night’s sleep. Call the office to learn more about dental sleep apnea treatments or use the online booking feature today.

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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects your breathing and sleep quality. It’s associated with poor airflow, periods of stopped breathing, and feeling tired. If you have a sleep apnea diagnosis from your doctor, Dr. Sahli can help you sleep better without invasive procedures.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Episodes of stopped breathing
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth in the morning
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating

These or other symptoms might interfere with your job, school, relationships, or overall health and wellness.

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common problem that anyone can experience, but the most common risk factors include:

  • Thicker neck circumference
  • Excess body weight
  • Being male
  • Narrow airway
  • Older age
  • Sedative or alcohol use
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Nasal congestion
  • Smoking
  • Some medical conditions

Medical problems that could increase your risk of developing sleep apnea include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Additional risk factors include polycystic ovary syndrome in women, hormone disorders, asthma, another chronic lung disease, or having a stroke.

Which sleep apnea treatment is right for me?

To find out which sleep apnea treatment best suits your needs, Dr. Sahli reviews your symptoms and medical history. He examines your mouth, teeth, gums, bite, and breathing, and takes digital dental X-rays if needed before tailoring an effective sleep apnea treatment that’s right for you.

How does my dentist help treat sleep apnea?

To treat sleep apnea, Dr. Sahli fits you for an oral appliance that you wear in your mouth at night while sleeping. He digitally scans your mouth, allowing a lab to develop a custom-fitted appliance that fits comfortably.

When your new appliance is ready, he shows you how to wear it to reposition your jaw when you sleep, reduce snoring, improve breathing, and get a better night’s rest.

Additional things you can do at home to minimize sleep apnea symptoms include maintaining an ideal body weight; getting regular exercise; and avoiding sleeping pills, alcohol use, and smoking. Try sleeping on your stomach or your side rather than your back.

To find out if you’re a candidate for sleep apnea treatment at Sunrise Dental of Lacey, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.