Are You Dealing with Sleep Apnea?

Find out how our dentists could help you better manage your sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breathing throughout the night. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that their daytime exhaustion and symptoms are due to this sleep problem, an oversight that can have major consequences. After all, leaving this condition untreated can increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Whether you suspect that you might have sleep apnea or you’ve just recently been diagnosed, you may be surprised to discover that our Leesburg, VA, dentist Dr. Sameh Kassem could treat your symptoms. Read on to learn more!

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

It isn’t always easy to determine whether or not you or a loved one has sleep apnea. After all, a lot of the telltale and obvious signs occur while you are sleeping; however, if your partner has noticed loud, chronic snoring, or that you wake up choking or gasping for air in the middle of the night, then this needs to be checked out right away by a sleep specialist.

Other warning signs of sleep apnea include,

• Extreme daytime fatigue despite getting enough sleep
• Persistent dry mouth when waking up
• Restless sleep
• Trouble concentrating throughout the day (“mental fog”)
• Moodiness or irritability
• Morning headaches
• An increase in accidents or injuries

How can our Leesburg, VA, office help?

You may be more than a little surprised to hear that your dentist could actually help you manage your sleep apnea. While CPAP is the most common treatment option for sleep apnea sufferers it isn’t the only option. In fact, if you are dealing with mild symptoms, you may be able to achieve the relief you need with a simple oral device.

Oral appliance therapy involves a custom-made device that covers both the upper and lower teeth like a mouthguard. The appliance works by keeping the airways open while you sleep, preventing the tongue or tissue in the back of the throat from obstructing the airways. Even if your sleep apnea is moderate or severe, you may find that oral appliance therapy when coupled with CPAP treatment actually provides better relief from your symptoms and helps you get a better night’s sleep.

Interested? Give us a call!

If you are dealing with sleep apnea in Leesburg, VA, and want to find out if oral appliance therapy can help you, call Rothschild Dental today at (703) 777-3150 to schedule your no-risk consultation. Let us help you sleep better!