Obstructive sleep apnea can make it very difficult for patients to maintain healthy sleeping patterns and long-term overall wellbeing. Consequently, our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentist office recommends that every patient with sleep apnea symptoms seek treatment as soon as these symptoms emerge.
Sometimes it is actually the patient’s sleeping partner who is in the best position to notice sleep apnea problems. Because sleep apnea occurs at night, the patient may miss the tell tale symptoms.
If you notice that your sleeping partner exhibits any of these sleep apnea red flags, please encourage him or her to seek treatment from a qualified dentist as soon as possible.
Heavy, Persistent Snoring
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a patient’s airway becomes blocked by relaxed oral tissues. Since the airway is blocked, the patient struggles to bring oxygen in and out of the lungs. This mechanical problem results in loud and obtrusive snoring—you may even notice that your partner makes a rattling or rasping sound.
Frequent Awakenings
While this patient is sleeping, his or her body registers the fluctuations in oxygen levels. When oxygen levels dip too low, the patient may jerk awake, in order to restart the breathing process. This disrupts the patient’s natural and healthy REM cycle, and it can also wake the patient’s bed partner.
Dental Grinding
Sleep apnea is often accompanied by a condition called bruxism (chronic dental grinding). So if you notice that your partner is clenching or grinding his or her teeth during sleep, please encourage them to see a dentist.
Our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists are more than happy to address any additional questions you may have regarding the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea treatment. Give our dental team a call by phone or submit an inquiry via our website to start the conversation right away!