Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Many people who snore are either unaware of their habits or the effects on their overall health condition. According to numerous studies about sleep apnea, the condition correlates with other health problems such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and a shortened life expectancy. One common reason for sleep apnea is obesity, but not all sleep apnea sufferers are obese. Our Greeneville sleep apnea dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today what snoring has to do with your metabolism and heart health and what treatments are available to address the condition.
Complications of Snoring
Snoring is a common condition and is seen as something normal that happens as you get older. However, snoring is a key indicator of sleep apnea or a collapsed airway. With either condition, your body and brain fail to receive adequate oxygen levels for optimum function. Without proper oxygen levels, your heart could be at risk for failure, especially if it must work harder to get the vital elements it needs. Additionally, you could experience a slower metabolism, grogginess, headaches, moodiness, sleepiness, and an inability to focus. Therefore, seeking treatment for snoring is highly recommended to protect your overall health and wellness.
The Most Common Cause
Obesity is a raging pandemic in the United States today. Unfortunately, excess weight can cause breathing problems while sleeping because of the accumulation of fat around the neck. The result is a collapsed airway that prevents optimum oxygen flow while sleeping. Our Erwin airway dentists explain that weight loss can help lessen your risk of sleep apnea caused by weight gain. By consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can reduce your weight and improve your sleep.
Men and Women are at Risk
Sleep apnea is not selective between males and females, and both sexes are at risk. Men who accumulate weight in the abdomen area increase their risk of developing sleep apnea. On the other hand, pre-menopausal women may gain weight in their hips and lower body, as opposed to the abdomen. However, our Jonesborough dentists who specialize in sleep apnea explain that after menopause, women should be more aware of possible weight gain due to hormonal changes. The additional weight gain increases sleep apnea risks.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Sleep apnea causes and treatments vary from patient to patient. However, there are various treatment options available suitable for most patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Our dentists that offer sleep apnea treatment in Greeneville share some common treatments below:
- CPAP Machine – The traditional method for treating sleep apnea is with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that provides air pressure high enough to maintain an open airway. During the night, you wear a mask that seals your nose or mouth, and it helps you breathe effortlessly while sleeping. Unfortunately, many patients find the machine bulky, noisy, and cumbersome to clean. Plus, if you share a bed with a partner, the noise from the machine likely interrupts their sleep as well.
- Oral Appliance – Oral appliance therapy is a method of sleep apnea treatment that adjusts and supports your jaw in a forward position, preventing the airway from collapsing. The custom-fitted appliance keeps your airway open while sleeping, resulting in a better quality sleep that can restore alertness and energy without disrupting your partner’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea Dentists in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Even though many people who snore don’t realize the adverse effects and the condition’s severity, it doesn’t mean everything will be fine if they avoid treatment. Delaying sleep apnea treatment only causes the condition to worsen and the effects to take a dramatic toll. Therefore, if you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, contact our Erwin dental office, Tusculum Dental Care, to schedule an appointment. Please call us at (423) 639-7575 or contact us online today.