Cure sleep apnea with appliance from Kingston-upon-Thames dentist

Sleep apnea can be the underlying cause of heart disease, stress and even strokes yet most people who suffer from it have no idea they have the condition. This is because sleep apnea affects breathing during sleep, causing patients to temporarily stop breathing without waking up. This can interrupt sleep patterns meaning it is almost impossible for sufferers to get a sufficient night’s sleep. Studies have shown that as few as one in seven people suffering from sleep apnea are aware that they have the condition.

There are two main types of sleep apnea. The most common is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is when the soft palate at the back of the throat collapses blocking the airway. This prevents breathing temporarily until the palate corrects itself. This can also produce a sound like snoring, which is why many people with sleep apnea merely attribute the sound to snoring. Of course the important distinction is that snoring is the sound of breathing during sleep, whereas breathing is actually prevented during apnea. The other type of sleep apnea is called Central Sleep Apnea and actually occurs when the part of the brain responsible for respiratory matters forgets to send the command to the lungs to breath. This is a less common but more serious condition that may require urgent medical treatment.

Most obstructive sleep apnea can be remedied by dental appliances fitted by Kingston-upon-Thames dentists. The appliances, worn during the night, support the soft tissue preventing any collapses that may block the airwaves. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or are suffering from unexplained stress, make an appointment to see a dentist who will be able to examine you for the signs of sleep apnea.