San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Sleep apnea inflicts millions of people, including children and adults. It’s an airway disorder that results in restricted airflow, and in some of the worst cases, it completely restricts airflow and results in gasping for air while asleep. Many sleep apnea sufferers aren’t even aware that they have the disorder since its telltale symptoms, snoring and gasping for air, occur during sleep. So, unless your partner observes you making these loud sounds, you might not know that you have a sleep-breathing disorder. The good news is that you can manage sleep apnea. But a common question is whether sleep apnea goes away on its own.
Unfortunately, sleep apnea does not go away without treatment. In fact, the condition may worsen and increase your risks of other health-related diseases that could be life-threatening. However, after receiving a proper diagnosis, sleep apnea can be managed with the help of our Bay Area airway dentists.
How is sleep apnea managed?
One of the most common methods of treating sleep apnea is with a CPAP machine, which is a continuous positive airway pressure device that remains plugged, and a mask is worn over the mouth and nose while sleeping. The machine is regulated to your specific breathing needs, and it automatically pumps air into your airways. No more snoring and no more pauses in breathing. However, many CPAP users complain that it is noisy, the mask is uncomfortable, and the machine is difficult to keep clean. Additionally, using a CPAP makes traveling or staying overnight somewhere much more challenging. There aren’t always electrical plugs near the bed, and the unit is rather cumbersome to take traveling or on an airplane. Therefore, CPAP users often discontinue using the machine, leaving themselves at risk.
However, Bay Area dentists offer oral appliance therapy that provides the same results, an open airway, but without all of the other downfalls. For instance, it doesn’t require electricity, it’s small and can fit in an overnight bag, and it doesn’t emit any sounds, so you and your partner can rest better. The oral appliance is custom-made from impressions of your mouth. It can be adjusted to hold your jaw in a desirable position to facilitate an open airway and reduce snoring.
What happens if I don’t do anything about my sleep apnea?
Treating sleep apnea is recommended because ignoring it could have severe health consequences. When your body isn’t getting enough air, it’s going to suffer long-term health problems like an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia, according to studies. Sleep apnea occurs due to a blocked or restricted airway, and without treatment, the condition will not improve or go away. If your body wasn’t getting enough calories to survive, what would you do? If you were dehydrated, what would you do? Your body needs air, just like it needs food and water for basic survival. If you aren’t getting enough air, it’s time to get a sleep apnea assessment in the Bay Area so that you can start treatment as soon as possible.
Sleep Apnea Dentists in San Francisco, Marin, and the Bay Area
At Glen Park Dental, we specialize in airway health for patients of all ages. Breathing properly and getting enough air, whether asleep or awake, is essential to maintain good health and longevity. To learn more about sleep apnea assessments in San Francisco or find out how to tell if you have a sleep-breathing disorder in the Bay Area, contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500 to schedule a consultation today.
