Are you frequently waking up tired despite a full night’s rest? You might be dealing with a common but often overlooked sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. In this guide brought to you by Miami Designer Smiles, we will go into detail about this condition and its management, especially tailored for mouth breathers.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by involuntary pauses in breathing during sleep. Among the three types of this condition — obstructive, central, and mixed — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent, closely linked with mouth breathing. Despite getting plenty of sleep, individuals with this condition may wake up still feeling fatigued since the quality of their sleep is affected. And although commonly associated with loud snoring, not everyone with sleep apnea snores.
Mouth Breathing and Sleep Apnea
At Miami Designer Smiles, we often encounter cases where mouth breathing and sleep apnea are intertwined. Mouth breathing refers to the habit of inhaling and exhaling through the mouth rather than the nose. This can be harmful over time as the mouth air bypasses the nose’s air filtration system, leading to lower oxygen levels in the body. Furthermore, mouth breathing changes your natural breathing pattern, which can exacerbate sleep apnea.
Identifying Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea is not restricted to adults; it also affects children. Between 1 to 5% of children are estimated to struggle with obstructive sleep apnea, often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms resembling other health issues. The symptoms usually emerge between ages 2 to 8, and more severe cases may come to light between ages 3 and 5. The specialists at Miami Designer Smiles believe that early diagnosis and intervention are key to successfully controlling this condition in your child.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Chronic, loud snoring
- Frequent episodes of paused or shallow breathing during sleep
- Restlessness during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Waking up with a dry mouth
The symptoms of sleep apnea in children can also include habitual mouth breathing, disturbed sleep, daytime sleepiness, attention problems, and poor academic performance.
Expert Sleep Apnea Treatment in Miami
If you or your child persistently mouth breathes and exhibits the previously enumerated symptoms, do not delay seeking expert attention from the professionals at Miami Designer Smiles. Our team, led by Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, specializes in delivering effective solutions for sleep apnea.
Addressing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Untreated OSA can result in various chronic health problems. Luckily, our team offers advanced treatments to manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea and halt its negative impact on sleep quality and overall health.
- CPAP Therapy: A widely used treatment, it involves using a CPAP machine to gently blow air into the throat to keep the airways open during sleep.
- Lifestyle modifications: Changes in routine habits such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake can help manage sleep apnea.
- Oral appliances: These devices, custom-made by our dentist, help keep the airway open during sleep.
- Positional therapy: Certain sleeping positions, like lying on your stomach or side, may reduce instances of sleep apnea.
Managing sleep apnea involves adopting a comprehensive approach, combining medical treatments and lifestyle changes.
NightLase: A Revolutionary Sleep Apnea Treatment
Miami Designer Smiles is also proud to offer NightLase, a non-invasive treatment for mild sleep apnea and loud snoring. The FDA-approved therapy utilizes light to tighten the tissues within the throat, reducing vibrations, and opening the airway for less noisy nights and improved sleep quality.
NightLase functions by applying laser energy to the soft palate and pharynx, spurring collagen production, and tissue contraction. This results in the tightening of the tissues, thus reducing the collapses and vibrations of the soft palate and widening the airway for smoother breathing.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea can control your life, eroding its quality over time. But with early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, it can be managed effectively. If you find symptoms relevant to you or your child manifesting in your day-to-day lives, reach out to the specialists at Miami Designer Smiles. Our team is ready to assist you in regaining your health and well-being, one restful night at a time.