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Posted on 11/15/2018 by Manhattan Maxillofacial Surgery Group |
 Some people with sleep apnea don't realize that the cause is actually related to their oral health. One type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder causes the airway to be blocked and can make you stop breathing. Your breathing can be interrupted multiple times every hour, causing your brain to wake up enough to become alert. You may never consciously realize you're waking up this often, but your body will wake up enough that you don't get a good night's sleep. In the morning, you'll feel tired, irritated, and groggy. If this occurs every night, you may start making mistakes, have a slower response time, and get into more accidents. What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?This type of sleep apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of your mouth and throat become too relaxed at night. They fall down into your airway, blocking it. Other issues, including an overly large tongue or a small jaw, can also cause blockage.How Do We Diagnose Sleep Apnea?Since we don't actually see what's happening in your mouth while you sleep, we can't immediately see that your airway is being obstructed. Instead, we look for other signs. First, we'll ask you about your sleep habits and how you feel when you wake up. The first warning sign of sleep apnea is that you're always tired and feel like you haven't slept at all.Another sign is that you grind your teeth at night. We can see if the tops of your teeth have been worn down or if you've actually cracked your teeth because you've ground them so hard. A sudden increase in the amount of cavities you have can also indicate that you're grinding your teeth and damaging them. Once that's done, we can help create a special mouth guard that prevents your airway from being obstructed. By wearing this at night, you'll be able to actually sleep soundly and wake up feeling rested. If you believe you're dealing with sleep apnea, contact us today to make an appointment. |
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