3 Signs You May Have Need Help With Your Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects many, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences that can affect your mental and physical health.

The Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry of Alabaster, AL team is proud to offer the local community premium dental services, including being there when you need us most to help treat your sleep apnea symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Have you ever heard someone snore continuously, with no way of making them stop? This could be a sign of sleep apnea. The most common characteristic is brief breathing pauses during sleep, which can last from a few seconds to a minute in some more severe cases.

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, caused by a blocked airway – which occurs when the throat muscles are too relaxed.

3 Signs You May Need Professional Help

There are some signs that you may have sleep apnea and not just suffer from regular snoring. Here are some tell-tale signs:

Loud and Persistent Snoring

Chronic snoring is a very noticeable sign. Of course, everyone snores occasionally, but if it happens more nights than not, this may be a sign of sleep apnea. If snorts and choking sounds accompany this snoring, this may be a huge red flag.

Daytime Fatigue and Excessive Sleepiness

People with untreated sleep apnea often wake up feeling unrefreshed and may struggle to stay awake during the day, which affects cognitive function.

Morning Headaches and Dry Mouth

The pauses in breathing during the night cause oxygen deprivation, leading to headaches and migraines. Because most breathing is done through the mouth, dry mouth and teeth are common.

Your Local Quality Dental Care Expert

Recognizing sleep apnea symptoms is the first step toward seeking timely help. During your next appointment with the professional team at Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry of Alabaster, AL, you can be sure you are getting the proper care you need that is unique to your situation.