Sleep apnea is a condition that limits the amount of oxygen you are able to inhale when you are asleep. As you would imagine, this condition can have a number of negative effects on your smile and your whole-body health. That is why our St. Louis sleep apnea dentists encourage you to stay alert for these signs and symptoms:
- Snoring
As relaxed oral tissues fall into your airway, it becomes more difficult for you to inhale enough oxygen. As your body works hard to inhale air despite the obstruction, snoring results. If you know you are snoring, or your sleeping partner has brought it up to you, it is time to schedule a consultation with your sleep apnea dentist. Snoring can actually be an indicator of a more serious health issue.
- Headaches
Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, so you are not getting the rest that you need to feel refreshed and ready to go. That is why many sleep apnea sufferers wake up with headaches. Headaches may also develop due to diminished blood oxygen levels.
- Dry Mouth
Because your body is struggling to get enough oxygen while you are asleep, you will probably begin to breathe through your mouth at night. This depletes the saliva in your mouth, and contributes to dry mouth. Unfortunately, this can contribute to additional oral health problems including increased levels of harmful oral bacteria and chronic bad breath.
- Nighttime Wakefulness
When your blood oxygen levels get low enough, your body does the best thing it can do to make sure you inhale enough air: it wakes you up. You may even find yourself gasping or choking upon waking. If you are having trouble staying asleep, sleep apnea might be the underlying issue.
If you see yourself represented in this article, it is time to reach out for a sleep apnea assessment. You can reach our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists by phone, or by using the Contact Us page on our site!