Only about 20% of people who have sleep apnea have a diagnosis. That’s partly because this condition can be sneaky, often having subtle signs that go way beyond loud snoring.
At Porter Dental Health Clinic in Hot Springs, AR, our team helps patients with sleep apnea find the relief they need while improving their overall health and preventing serious medical complications. Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren are experienced dentists with extensive knowledge of early signs of sleep apnea and advanced treatments that can solve its frustrating symptoms.
The Usual Suspects: Snoring and Fatigue
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. This can happen when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax so much that they disrupt airflow, leading to pauses in breathing and poor-quality rest.
You’ve probably heard that common symptoms include loud snoring and choking or gasping while you sleep. But those are only some ways sleep apnea can harm your health.
Sneaky Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea can impact your entire body, not just your breathing. Some signs seem unrelated to sleep but may point to underlying airway issues. If you’ve been dealing with symptoms like these, it may be time to get checked:
- Morning headaches: Lack of oxygen overnight can cause blood vessel changes in your brain, triggering headaches.
- Dry mouth or sore throat: Mouth breathing and gasping for air can lead to a dry mouth or sore throat in the morning.
- Mood changes: Interrupted sleep affects brain chemistry and emotional regulation, so it may contribute to depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Grinding teeth (bruxism): Sleep apnea and teeth grinding frequently occur together. Experts suggest this may be the body’s way of reopening the airway while sleeping.
- Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia): Sleep apnea and frequent nighttime urination often happen together. Research shows that treating OSA can improve nocturia. This connection may happen because of changes in the hormones that control your bladder.
- Memory issues or brain fog: Poor sleep makes concentrating, remembering things, or staying mentally sharp harder.
- Daytime drowsiness: Many people with OSA feel drowsy at work or during their normal daily routine, even after a full night of sleep.
- High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can raise your blood pressure. The risk of hypertension increases with sleep apnea severity.
Why See a Dentist About Sleep Apnea?
Dentists trained in airway health, like our team at Porter Dental Health Clinic, are often the first to notice the physical signs of sleep apnea. During your routine exam, we look for things like a narrow airway, scalloped tongue, worn teeth, and other red flags.
If we suspect sleep apnea, we’ll guide you through the next steps, like a sleep study. Many people benefit from custom-fitted oral devices that help keep the airway open during sleep.
Sleep Apnea Screenings in Hot Springs, AR
Are you missing sleep apnea warning signs? Call Porter Dental Health Clinic at 501-624-2778 to schedule your consultation today.
