Signs of Sleep Apnea 

/0 Comments/in /by

Snoring is an annoying problem for many individuals, especially if they share a bedroom with another person, but sometimes it’s a sign of an underlying health condition. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing, then startle partially awake while you’re asleep. This condition causes serious health risks, including cardiovascular risk, and should not be ignored. Here are some signs that the Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry team wants you to watch that indicate you may be dealing with sleep apnea.

Excessive Snoring

If you snore excessively, enough that it is causing your partner to stay awake, then you might have sleep apnea. While there can be other causes of snoring, it’s a good idea to get a sleep study done if you have this issue.

Gasping While Sleeping

If your partner indicates they hear you gasping while you sleep, then you want to get a sleep study done to rule out sleep apnea. This is often a sign that you’re not breathing correctly while you sleep.

Waking up Tired

Finally, if you sleep for 7-8 hours and still wake up feeling exhausted, you may get little quality sleep. Sleep apnea can be the underlying cause. Again, a sleep study will show you why you wake up tired.

Sleep apnea has many potential causes, but it is a serious health issue. If you’re struggling with this condition or suspect that you may have it, schedule an appointment with Albritto and Ardovino Family Dentistry, your Alabaster dental team, to get an evaluation. With their help, you can sleep soundly again, and even with less snoring.

Beyond Obesity – Common Additional Causes of Sleep Apnea

/0 Comments/in /by

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. People with sleep apnea will snore loudly and may wake up feeling tired, even after sleeping all night. While many people suffer from sleep apnea due to obesity, there are other causes of this condition. TheAlabaster dentist at Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry can help you get relief so you feel rested every morning. Here are the causes of sleep apnea that you should know.

Anatomical Problems

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, allowing the soft palate to close your throat. Your brain then realizes you aren’t getting enough oxygen, waking you up so you can reposition and start breathing properly again. Though obesity can cause obstructive sleep apnea, it can also occur due to a small lower jaw or overall positioning of the mouth, regardless of weight. These types of anatomical problems have little to do with weight but still cause the condition.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion can contribute to sleep apnea problems, particularly if it is chronic. If you’re chronically congested due to anatomical issues or seasonal allergies, you may develop sleep apnea as a result.

Using Sedatives or Tranquilizers

Sleep aids can relax the muscles in the throat. This makes your risk of obstructive sleep apena worse, parituclalry if you are already at a high risk.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions seem to correlate with sleep apnea. These include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Hormonal disorders

Poor Brain Signals

Central sleep apnea is a type of sleep apnea that has a neurologic cause. This type occurs when the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles that cause breathing while you sleep. You may stop breathing because your brain isn’t telling your body to breathe.

If you need sleep apnea treatment in Alabaster, reach out to our team to schedule an appointment today.

How Can My Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you snore? If you do, then you’re likely suffering from sleep apnea, a condition that causes sleep disruption due to irregular breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can disrupt the sufferer and their spouse or sleep partner. More than that, sleep apnea can also be dangerous because it is a condition that disrupts breathing. Fortunately, your dentist in Alabaster, AL, may be able to help.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when breathing stops and starts while sleeping. There are different types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when the tongue collapses against the palate during sleep. This causes the airway to be blocked. Signs of sleep apnea include:

  • Irritability
  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping during sleep
  • Dry mouth in the morning upon waking
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Difficulty focusing

How Can the Dentist Help?

For many patients, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that can be managed with dental appliances that prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Your dentist can help you by fitting you with an appliance that’s custom-made for your mouth.

While some dental appliances (called night guards) are sold in pharmacies, these appliances are not always comfortable or as effective as custom-made appliances.

Contact Your Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

Could you benefit from a dental sleep apnea appliance in Alabaster, AL? The professionals at Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry can help. We’re experienced in providing the type of care patients need for obstructive sleep apnea. We also provide dental sleep apnea appliances. Call today to make an appointment and learn more.

What Are The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

/0 Comments/in /by

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where a person does not breathe consistently during sleep. Because sleep apnea can be a sign of an underlying health problem and the cause of serious health conditions, it’s imperative to seek help from your dentist in Alabaster, AL, as an early diagnosis is key to recovery success. You and your loved ones and/or sleep partner should be aware of sleep apnea symptoms. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

Fatigue

Sleep apnea interrupts the cycle of sleep, where your body gets deep rest. This results in persistent fatigue after waking, even when you think you got a full night’s sleep. You may feel groggy, sluggish, or have a headache throughout the day.

Startling Awake

Since the airway isn’t pushing oxygen through, you may startle awake with the sensation that you can’t breathe. In fact, this is your body’s response to oxygen deprivation. Upon waking, it may take you several seconds to catch your breath.

Loud, Disruptive Snoring

Air vibration causes this as it flows over soft tissue in the throat. A throat obstruction may actually cause sleep apnea or at least contribute to it. Your Alabaster, AL dentist can perform an exam to see if any obstruction is visible.

Cessation of Breathing

Sometimes a sleep partner is the first to detect that sleep apnea may occur. A person with sleep apnea may be breathing deeply, suddenly stopping for a few seconds, and then starting up again. This is a classic symptom of sleep apnea and means you should seek professional help earlier rather than later.

Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea in Alabaster, AL, is available from your dentist at Albritton & Ardovino. Contact us today to learn about how we diagnose and treat this serious condition.

Does Snoring Always Mean Sleep Apnea?

/0 Comments/in /by

If you’re concerned about sleep apnea, you may be worried if you notice that you or your partner snores. Snoring is one indicator of sleep apnea, but it isn’t the only symptom, as your dentist in Alabaster, AL, can explain. It’s possible for a person to snore while sleeping without sleep apnea being present. While snoring may disrupt sleep, it’s not always something to worry about.

What Causes Snoring?
Snoring results from the vibration of muscles in the back of the throat. During sleep, this muscle tissue relaxes. As air passes through from respiration, the tissue may vibrate. A person may snore occasionally from being congested, consuming too much alcohol, or even falling asleep in certain awkward positions.

How Sleep Apnea Differs From Occasional Snoring
The word “apnea” means “breathless.” Sleep apnea refers to interrupted breathing during sleep, where a person stops breathing for seconds at a time. The duration of the absence of breathing varies among individuals, but it should never be ignored.

Unlike occasional snoring, chronic sleep apnea may prevent needed oxygen from entering the body and brain, resulting in a problematic and potentially dangerous situation. A common sign of sleep apnea is when a person startles awake, usually with the sensation of choking or feeling that they can’t get a breath.

In summary, snoring may be occasional due to certain temporary conditions. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is the result of a consistent, problematic situation. A blocked airway may cause it due to obesity or muscle tissue.

Sleep apnea should not be ignored and needs to be treated. If you do need sleep apnea treatment in Alabaster, AL, you can get it at Albritton & Ardovino Family Dentistry. Contact us today to book an exam to learn more.

Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Yourdentist in Alabaster, AL, is a valuable first line of defense against sleep apnea since they routinely inspect the mouth and throat area during dental exams. One of the most common questions that patients ask their dentist is whether sleep apnea is genetic.

Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?
Many scientific studies have been done to determine the causes of sleep apnea. It’s been found that, while the actual condition may not be directly inherited, there are certain genetic conditions that can increase the likelihood of a person inheriting this condition. What this means is, if you have inherited certain conditions, you may have a higher chance of developing sleep apnea sometime during your lifetime.

What Genetic Conditions Can Lead to Sleep Apnea?
One form of sleep apnea, called obstructive sleep apnea, occurs as a direct result of obesity. Obesity can be brought on by several factors, including diabetes. So, if you have a family member with diabetes, with or without obesity, you may be at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. In fact, it’s estimated that those who are obese have ten times more likelihood of experiencing sleep apnea.

The anatomy of the face can contribute to sleep apnea, too. Since the bone structure and general face anatomy are most certainly inherited, if you have a relative with sleep apnea, especially one that you resemble, you may have a larger chance of getting sleep apnea, too.

The general breathing process—how you breathe and how often—also impacts sleep apnea. Your internal organs are also formed through a close genetic link. Therefore, it can be concluded that if you have a relative with sleep apnea, you should consult with your dentist.

Talk to your dentist aboutsleep apnea in Alabaster, AL so that you can be screened and treated. Contact us today to book your appointment.

3 Signs You May Have Need Help With Your Sleep Apnea

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Differences

/0 Comments/in /by

Your dentist in Alabaster, AL, wants you to know about the differences between snoring and sleep apnea. Understanding why special treatment is essential for dental health and overall well-being. And remember, if you suspect that you or a loved one have sleep apnea, be sure to contact us for treatment.

What is Snoring?

Snoring is one symptom of sleep apnea, but it isn’t the same as sleep apnea. In other words, a person can be a snorer, but they might not have sleep apnea. But a person with sleep apnea almost always snores. Snoring is your body’s reaction to relaxing while you’re falling asleep or already asleep. It’s a vibration noise that happens as the passages in your airways narrow due to the muscles relaxing. Snoring is of little concern unless it’s disruptive to the sleep cycle of the person doing the snoring or their sleep partner.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition where the person actually stops breathing during sleep. Oxygen deprivation can damage heart tissue and lead to brain damage. It’s caused by a blockage in the airway—not just a narrowing—that prevents air from flowing into the lungs. This is why many people with sleep apnea frequently startle awake with a sensation of choking. There are other forms of sleep apnea, but the important thing to know is that it needs to be treated, whereas snoring doesn’t necessarily need professional treatment.

Contact your dentist for sleep apnea treatment in Alabaster, AL. We can help diagnose the cause and fit you with a dental appliance to help support proper oxygen flow as you sleep. This is a potentially life-saving treatment, so it’s essential that you are seen as soon as possible.

Sleep Apnea Isn’t Just an Inconvenience: Here’s Why

/0 Comments/in /by

If you or someone you live with has sleep apnea in Alabaster, AL, you may think that it’s just an inconvenience. However, sleep apnea can be symptomatic of a more serious condition, or it can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud snoring that disrupts others’ sleep
  • Sudden and/or violent waking
  • Waking with extremely dry mouth or throat
  • Sensation of choking
  • Fatigue upon waking
  • Feeling sluggish during the day

These aren’t all the symptoms of sleep apnea, but if you or a loved one is experiencing some or all of these, please contact us for a consultation to get help.

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

In numerous studies, sleep apnea has been linked to poor cardiovascular health. The theory is that the body—and the heart especially—is being deprived of oxygen during sleep. This condition has the potential to increase the likelihood of a cardiac event or stroke, possibly leaving permanent damage or even having fatal consequences.

Sleep apnea frequently occurs in people who are 30 pounds or more over a healthy weight for their height. Technically, this term is obesity. With obesity comes a heightened risk for a number of health problems, including sleep apnea and diabetes. Whether or not the sleep apnea is a symptom of obesity or it leads to overeating due to cravings from lack of sleep is almost inconsequential in terms of getting help. The sleep apnea must be treated no matter what, because it’s harmful to health, not just an inconvenient issue that disrupts sleep.

Your dentist in Alabaster, AL can diagnose and treat sleep apnea. All you need to do is to book an appointment and explain what symptoms you’re experiencing. From there, a treatment plan can be made that will get you or your loved one back on a path where deep, restful sleep is possible, and health risks are mitigated. Contact us today to make your appointment.

3 Popular Options for Treating Sleep Apnea  

/0 Comments/in /by

Are you looking for a sleep apnea dentist in Alabaster, AL? Sleep apnea is a serious condition that could have major negative effects on your quality of life and health. So, if you have sleep apnea or think you might have sleep apnea, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away for a diagnosis and to learn about your treatment options.

Three Popular Options for Treating Sleep Apnea

Here are the three most common options dentists use for sleep apnea treatments in Alabaster, AL.

1. Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) look like sports mouthguards and are customized for each person. They are placed over the tops of your upper and lower teeth. These mouthguards are connected by a hinge in the center of each. The purpose of MADs is to hold your tongue and lower jaw in a slightly forward position throughout the night. This helps keep your mouth tissues away from the back of your throat and blocking your airways.

2. Tongue-Retaining Mouthpieces

Tongue-retaining mouthpieces are also called tongue-stabilizing devices. They use a light suction to pull your tongue forward and hold it in place. Many people prefer the MAD option over the tongue-retaining device.

3. Rapid Maxillary Expansion

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is typically used in children; however, it can also be used for teens and adults as well. RME is an orthodontic device that works by opening your airways by expanding the roof of your mouth. You will wear a custom-crafted expander that is placed over your top back teeth. This device uses pressure to push outward against your upper molars. And unlike other sleep apnea devices, RMEs are worn at all times, not just at night. The main goal for this sleep apnea option is to permanently adjust the narrow or highly arched hard palates of the mouth.

Do You Need a Sleep Apnea Dentist in Alabaster, AL?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Alabaster, AL to determine if you have sleep apnea, or if you just have a few questions first, please Contact Albritton & Ardovino today. We are a doctor-owned business and provide a comfortable, relaxing environment and look forward to assisting you.