Without treatment, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to a higher risk of depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. You should be aware of the potential symptoms of the disorder and see the dentist for treatment. What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Try Our Quiz on Sleep Apnea
- True or False: Snoring can be a warning sign.
- True or False: You may experience dry mouth.
- True or False: Headaches are a common indicator.
- True or False: Symptoms can grow worse without treatment.
Answer Key
- True. We snore when our airways become partially obstructed. Since sleep apnea episodes occur due to complete obstructive of the airflow during sleep, snoring is often a warning sign. If you often feel tired and also snore regularly, then you may need to talk to your dentist about OSA.
- True. Patients with OSA often wake up with dry mouth. In addition to being uncomfortably, dry mouth also means there isn’t enough saliva to help rinse away harmful bacteria. As a result, dry mouth can mean an increased risk of tooth decay and gingivitis.
- True. Patients with untreated OSA may wake up experiencing serious headaches. Due to breathing obstruction, oxygen levels can decrease in the brain and nervous system, which can cause the blood vessels n your head to dilate and lead to a serious headache.
- True. Without treatment, these symptoms and others can grow worse and become a persistent issue. If you have experienced one or more of these issues, then we recommend seeing us for a thorough examination. We can diagnose the cause of your sleep apnea and discuss possible treatment options, such as a CPAP machine or a custom oral appliance.
Ready for OSA Treatment?
At James Stewart, DDS, we can diagnose the presence of a sleep disorder and recommend treatment to address the problem. Dr. Stewart and our compassionate staff serve patients of all ages from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.