If you feel as though you never get enough sleep, you may be experiencing a common condition called sleep apnea. Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is an area of specialty for Clara Song, DDS, of AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Bellevue, Washington. To learn more about sleep apnea as well as treatment options, call Dr. Song today. You can also use the easy online booking tool to find a time that fits your busy schedule.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects more than 18 million American adults. Children can experience sleep apnea, but there is insufficient data on how many children are affected.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea, but there are several other less common forms. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax during sleep, blocking your airway and forcing your body to gasp for air.
Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain is unable to control your breathing while you sleep. This condition is far less common than obstructive sleep apnea.
Many different things can contribute to developing sleep apnea. Some of those factors include:
There also seems to be a genetic component at play, so if a close family member experiences sleep apnea, your risk is elevated.
Sleep apnea creates numerous symptoms, some of which are common with many other conditions. Some signs to keep an eye out for include:
Very often, your sleep partner will notice symptoms before you will. Don’t ignore these symptoms, as untreated sleep apnea increases your risk for stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and many other diseases.
One of the best treatment options for sleep apnea is an oral appliance. These devices are worn inside the mouth during sleep to position your tongue and jaw in a way that supports normal nighttime breathing.
Dr. Song relies on the DNA Appliance™ System oral appliances to treat those in her care. These custom-fitted devices are crafted to fit your mouth and comfortable to wear. There are many options to choose from, and Dr. Song consults with you to find the right fit for your specific needs.
Frenuloplasty is another treatment option. This surgical procedure alters abnormal anatomical restrictions of the lip or tongue and can dramatically improve your breathing.
Learn more about sleep apnea diagnostics and treatment options during a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Song. Booking a visit takes just moments online or over the phone.
