Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
Whether you experience symptoms of sleep apnea or you have recently received a diagnosis, you likely have answers about your condition, treatments, and how to navigate life with a sleep-breathing disorder. Our sleep apnea dentist in Beaufort, Dr. Chris Mohler, has answers to commonly asked questions about this sleep-breathing disorder and helpful information on managing the condition.
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. Due to pauses in breathing, the brain awakens out of the deepest stage of sleep, the REM cycle, which is when the mind stores memories and rejuvenates. Sleep apnea also lowers oxygen levels in the body, which could impact overall health, and the health of vital organs like the heart and brain. Therefore, sleep apnea restricts airflow while sleeping, and could be harmful to your health.
How do I know if I have a sleep-breathing disorder?
You might have sleep apnea if you snore or gasp loudly while sleeping, which are the primary symptoms of a sleep-breathing disorder. Other symptoms of sleep apnea may include chronic daytime fatigue, unexplained irritability, poor memory, or the feeling of being in a fog all of the time. Some adults with untreated sleep apnea report low libido or sexual impotence, especially among men.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
Not always, but it most often occurs because of airway blockages. In individuals with sleep apnea, soft tissue blocking the airway vibrates when you attempt to breathe. However, it is possible to have sleep apnea in the absence of loud snoring. Other times, pauses in breathing cause loud gasps or choking sounds. If your partner reports that you exhibit these symptoms, we encourage you to seek a sleep apnea consultation in Beaufort.
Who is at risk of developing sleep apnea?
Truthfully, anyone of any age could develop sleep apnea. Children and even healthy athletes have been diagnosed with sleep-breathing disorders, although certain risk factors make a person more susceptible to a collapsing airway. The following are sleep apnea risk factors:
- Being overweight
- Large neck circumference
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Having untreated TMJ disorder
- Post-menopausal women
- Older males
- Family history of sleep apnea or snoring
- Having a smaller upper palate and/or jaws
- Hypothyroidism
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
While older individuals that are overweight have a higher risk of sleep apnea, the disorder can still occur in seemingly healthy people. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms associated with sleep apnea, please consult with Dr. Mohler.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep medicine practitioners conduct official sleep studies to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis. However, Dr. Mohler provides airway screening that determines if you could be at risk of airway obstruction, saving you time and money from seeking a sleep study first. Then, if Dr. Mohler believes that you may be at risk, he will refer you to undergo further testing.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Sleep apnea treatment in Beaufort is offered for mild to moderate cases. Dr. Mohler has witnessed amazing results in patients that wear a custom-made oral orthotic to manage their sleep apnea. Also known as oral appliance therapy, this treatment is a comfortable appliance worn in the mouth while sleeping. It slightly repositions the patient’s lower jaw and tongue to facilitate an open airway. The best part is that oral appliance therapy is cord-free and quiet, unlike a CPAP machine. If you are interested in alternative sleep apnea treatments in Beaufort, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohler to learn more.
Will I have sleep apnea forever?
Sleep apnea cannot always be cured. However, it can be managed with proper care. For some individuals, losing weight, making healthier lifestyle choices, or undergoing surgery to reduce or remove enlarged airway tissue could permanently cure their sleep apnea. However, in mild cases, there are effective ways to manage sleep apnea and reduce snoring. Learn more about oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea in Beaufort or schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohler to explore treatment options.
What should I do if I think that I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea poses severe health threats including, an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. These risks worsen the longer the condition remains untreated. Therefore, if you believe that you may have sleep apnea or have already received a diagnosis but are not treating your condition, Dr. Mohler recommends a sleep apnea screening near you in Beaufort.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, SC
Managing sleep apnea may be easier than you think and does not have to include using a CPAP machine. Instead, learn about oral appliance therapy, a custom anti-snoring device that opens the airway and reduces sleep apnea symptoms. To learn more, please call Chris Mohler, DDS, at (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.