Bend, Oregon is known for its diverse population, and with that comes a variety of health issues and concerns. One issue that affects a surprising number of people in the Bend area is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. This can cause unwanted symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness, and it has also been linked to a number of serious medical conditions.
Untreated, sleep apnea can have a number of negative effects on an individual’s overall health and well-being. The good news is that there are many treatment options available, and at Smiles Dental in Bend, our team can help find the right sleep apnea treatment for your specific needs.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Risks
There are several symptoms associated with sleep apnea, the most common of which is loud and chronic snoring. Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include morning headaches, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and daytime sleepiness. Although the cause of sleep apnea cannot always be determined, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and having a family history of the condition.
Individuals with sleep apnea are also at risk for developing a number of serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and more. This makes it important to seek diagnosis and treatment if any of the above symptoms are present. Additionally, those who suspect they may have sleep apnea should speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Customized Solutions
For many people, a simple sleep study is all that is needed to diagnose sleep apnea. Sleep studies can be performed in a sleep lab, or in some cases, they may be done in the comfort of an individual’s own home using a portable device. Once a diagnosis is made, the next step is to determine the appropriatetreatment. At Smiles Dental in Bend, our team uses a variety of customizable sleep apnea solutions to help patients of all ages and lifestyles get a good night’s sleep.
Customized sleep apnea solutions include oral appliances and CPAP machines. Oral appliances are an excellent treatment option for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. These appliances look similar to an orthodontic retainer and work by keeping the jaw in the optimal position throughout the night, preventing it from falling back and causing a blockage in the airway. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are used to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea. These machines deliver a steady flow of air through a mask worn over the mouth and nose, keeping the airway open to prevent pauses in breathing.
In addition to these treatment options, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing sleep apnea. For example, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and keeping a regular sleep schedule can help improve sleep quality and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Good Night’s Sleep for the Entire Family
Not only can untreated sleep apnea have a number of serious health repercussions for the individual, the symptoms can also impact the entire family. Loud snoring can prevent family members from getting a full and restful night’s sleep, ultimately leading to further health issues for everyone involved.
Thankfully, treatment options are available for individuals with sleep apnea. At Smiles Dental in Bend, we use customizable treatment options to help our patients get a good night’s sleep. We understand that our patients have unique needs, and we work with them to find a solution that fits their lifestyle and preferences.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our experienced team members. We will work with you to find the perfect sleep apnea treatment for your individual needs, so you can get a good night’s sleep and enjoy good health.