Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting countless adults and children worldwide. Among the many subtypes of this condition, obstructive sleep apnea is the most widespread. At Miami Designer Smiles, our dental solutions offer a new lease on life for mouth breathers with obstructive sleep apnea. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely treatment can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep and, by extension, your overall health and lifestyle.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep, often due to a blocked airway. This disorder tends to cause loud snoring and disturbed sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and fatigue. However, the symptoms can extend far beyond tiredness and can include difficulty concentrating, mood changes, high blood pressure, and heart problems over time.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three primary types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common variety, where throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: This type occurs when the brain fails to transmit appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea: As the name suggests, this type is a blend of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
It’s important to note that sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, although it’s more common in adults over 40. It often remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of awareness and the overlapping symptoms with other health conditions.
Sleep Apnea in Mouth Breathers
Mouth breathing is one of the crucial factors leading to obstructive sleep apnea. Mouth breathers often experience oxygen depletion during sleep, placing an excessive burden on the respiratory system. Over time, this pattern can lead to OSA. Fortunately, at Miami Designer Smiles, our experienced dentists, Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, have extensive knowledge and practical experience in handling this condition.
Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Mouth Breathers
The primary aim of sleep apnea treatment is to restore regular breathing during sleep. At Miami Designer Smiles, we offer a variety of treatments that can be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of our patients.
NightLase Therapy
One such solution we provide is NightLase therapy. This non-invasive solution can bring immense relief for mouth breathers suffering from mild obstructive sleep apnea and disruptive snoring. NightLase uses light to treat the root cause of the problem by tightening the soft tissue in the throat, widening the airway, and reducing disruptions in sleep.
- NightLase therapy helps in multiple ways:
- It induces collagen production in the throat tissues, supporting tissue tightening.
- It decreases the vibration and collapse of the soft palate.
- It opens up the airway, offering a more accessible pathway for smoother breathing.
This therapy usually involves a few sessions, after which our patients substantially report improved sleep quality and reduced snoring.
Myofunctional Therapy
Another remedy we offer at Miami Designer Smiles for mouth breathers with OSA is Myofunctional therapy. This therapy entails exercises designed to retrain the oral and facial muscles, promoting healthier breathing habits. It also aids in proper tongue placement, swallowing, and speech.
These are just some of the dental solutions available at Miami Designer Smiles. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care for our patients suffering from sleep apnea. We strongly believe that by addressing such issues, we can contribute significantly towards improving their overall health and well-being.
If you or a loved one is a mouth breather dealing with sleep apnea, don’t wait until the condition worsens. Reach out to us at Miami Designer Smiles. Let our experienced team guide you through the process of diagnosing and treating this sleep disorder effectively.