About half a million adults suffer from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), making them two of the most common sleep disorders. In addition to keeping someone from getting a good night’s sleep, snoring and/or sleep apnea can also present serious health risks and have been associated with both cardiovascular and systemic disease.
If you snore or think you have OSA, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brent Engelberg in Arlington Heights, IL. If you’re a candidate, Dr. Engelberg can fabricate a custom-fit snore guard and/or refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing a sleep-related breathing disorder such as OSA typically involves the dentist, the patient’s physician, and/or other specialists.
Risk Factors for OSA:
- Being overweight or obese
- Being male- sleep apnea and OSA affects more men than women
- Having diabetes
- Smoking and tobacco use
Diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays, may be done to examine the airway and look for signs of blockage. A sleep study may be performed at home or at a specialist’s office to evaluate the quality of sleep.
Treatment for Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Dr. Engelberg offers an alternative to CPAP, which is oral appliance therapy. A custom-fit sleep appliance can address snoring complications and reduce the health risks associated with OSA with a convenient, comfortable option. Left untreated, OSA can significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart attack and impact the severity of systemic diseases such as diabetes.
Patients with OSA repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night, reducing oxygen flow to internal organs and causing the patient to awaken with a loud snore as breathing is restored. Although many patients are unaware of their snoring, many experience similar daytime symptoms related to the disorder.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring and/or gasping while sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Frequent headaches
- Poor concentration, mood, and mental clarity
Sleep Apnea FAQs
What happens if you leave sleep apnea untreated?
If you don’t treat sleep apnea, it can result in serious, life-threatening consequences. It may cause patients to have high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and diabetes, and can also cause strokes.
How do bananas affect sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, bananas are a food to avoid. In general, fruits are great for people with sleep apnea. However, bananas increase mucus production, which may block your airways more, worsening sleep apnea.
What foods cause sleep apnea?
Foods high in fat content and dairy products are not good for patients with sleep apnea. They increase mucus production, which may block your airways. Foods high in dairy also correlate with weight gain, which is bad for sleep apnea.
What is the best position to sleep with sleep apnea?
The best position to sleep with sleep apnea is on your side. The right side is preferred because it is known to stop snoring and is good for blood circulation.
Do I need a CPAP for mild sleep apnea?
If you have mild sleep apnea, you may not always need a CPAP. Instead, you can wear an oral appliance. An oral appliance is a portable, noiseless, and comfortable alternative to bulky CPAP machines. It keeps the airway open so patients can breathe without pausing during sleep.
How does weight affect sleep apnea?
Excess weight can decrease the size of the airway. Pharyngeal fat, or fat surrounding the pharynx, can restrict the airway. Patients with excess weight are more at risk of developing sleep apnea because they may have less room for airflow. This means some patients may not have enough room for proper, comfortable breathing during sleep.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you or a loved one snores, discuss this with Dr. Engelberg at your next visit to their Arlington Heights dentist office. Arlington Heights Smiles serves many local communities including Long Grove, IL, Deerfield, IL, Northbrook, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, Arlington Heights, IL and beyond.
Treating a sleep disorder can restore overall health for the patient and those affected by snoring. Call (847) 230-9703 or request an appointment online.