You may have noticed that you are sleeping poorly, or have the symptoms of sleep apnea. Perhaps you would like to look into some sleeping concerns you’ve had over the past couple of months.
As you look into these procedures online, you may be wondering if you can suffer from sleep apnea even if you have healthy habits. Though unhealthy habits are a high risk for sleep apnea, they are not the only cause of the condition. Learn more about the causes of sleep apnea with us. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Bridge Creek Dental today.
How Sleep Apnea Works
The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is caused by an obstruction in your airways during the night. The aim of OSA treatment is to identify the source of the blockage and gradually shift your teeth to clear it, allowing you to breathe comfortably. Patients of all ages can experience this condition.
Sleep apnea is first diagnosed by a physician through take-home tests we provide. Once we are able to receive the diagnosis, we will create a personalized oral appliance to start adjusting your teeth. We will sporadically use at-home tests to help the device best fit your needs.
Risk Factors To Look Out For
Here are a few factors to consider when your local care is diagnosing a patient with sleep apnea. If you are unsure whether or not you are dealing with a sleeping condition, there’s no harm in participating in a sleep study or take-home test. Diagnosis can lead patients to increase their focus and long-term health.
A Misaligned Jaw
Orthodontic work can often be another cause of sleep apnea concerns. Crooked teeth or a malocclusion in the jaw can make it difficult for your airways to function at night.
Bridge Creek Dental offers orthodontic treatment through our Invisalign® clear aligners treatment. Visit our Orthodontics page to learn more.
Poor Sleep Habits
Sometimes sleep apnea concerns might be related to your sleeping position or other habits. If our team pinpoints this as a concern, we will advise you on how to adjust your position to help you sleep better at night.
Obesity Is Still A Notable Factor
While obesity isn’t the sole factor in a sleep apnea diagnosis, it does play a significant role. As an individual gains weight, any excess fat can be stored near the neck and upper airway. This excess fat can cause pressure on your airway, leading to blockages while you sleep. This in turn increases the chance of sleep apnea.
Outside of developing sleep apnea, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital in maintaining your oral care and development. Some personal benefits include:
- Less Tooth Decay: Harmful lifestyles often stem from unhealthy foods, which corrodes the enamel holding your teeth in place.
- Stable Gumline: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of gum disease, which can severely alter your gumline.
- Stronger Teeth: Your jawline are able to in turn withstand tough foods and falls easier with the help of strong tooth and gum health habits.
Receive Exceptional Results with Bridge Creek Dental
Bridge Creek Dental is a highly recognized sleep apnea provider in the Billings, MT area. Many health providers frequently send referrals to our location. As the only pediatric sleep provider in the area, our team is highly trained in treating patients of all ages.
Get Started With Sleep Apnea Treatment
We’re so excited to help you enjoy the benefits of sleep apnea treatment. Call Bridge Creek Dental based in Billings, MT to learn more about how this service can help you.