The Dangers Of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of soft tissue in the throat during sleep. The tissue blocks airflow and leads to loud snoring. Sufferers may also stop breathing during the night, making this a potentially life-threatening condition. Dr. Adam Pasono offers sleep apnea treatment in Green Bay, WI, and is dedicated to giving his patients at Green Bay Family Dentistry more restful sleep and healthier lifestyles.

It’s important for everyone to understand the potential dangers of sleep apnea. There are effective treatments available, but you have to recognize the need for treatment first. Keep reading for a quick understanding of the biggest risk factors and how dental treatment can help.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep, so the most obvious danger is exhaustion in daily life. You may not have the energy to keep up with your children or may struggle to maintain mental focus at work. It can even interrupt your social life as you go from sluggish to exhausted over the course of each day.

That exhaustion puts you at heightened risk of accidents at work, while driving, or even while at home. When someone with sleep apnea shares their bed, their loved ones may also suffer from exhaustion due to loud snoring.

There is a strong association between sleep apnea and many life-threatening medical conditions, including:

• Heart disease
• Type II diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart attack

The association between sleep apnea and these health risks is often due to obesity. While many people suffer from sleep apnea due to obesity, that isn’t always the case. The combination of obesity and sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Pasono recommends immediate sleep apnea treatment for Green Bay, WI, patients who snore loudly or feel tired when they wake up every morning. The longer the condition is untreated, the greater the risk of lifestyle interruption and even death.

How Your Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea

It may not seem like your dentist is the place to go for sleep apnea, but it’s an excellent place to get the diagnosis and treatment you need. In many cases, you can stop tissue in the back of the throat from interrupting airflow by wearing an oral appliance while you sleep. This appliance repositions your jaw to keep your airways clear.

You can learn more about this simple sleep apnea treatment available in Green Bay, WI, by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Pasono at Green Bay Family Dentistry. Call us today at (920) 432-8492.