Interrupted breathing during sleep is a mark of a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Blockages in the airway, including collapsed tissues or the tongue moving back in the throat, cause obstructive sleep apnea.

A sleep physician is needed to diagnose sleep apnea. We suggest discussing sleep apnea symptoms with our dentists in addition to your physician. Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Being very tired during the day
• Experiencing irritability and changes in personality
• Having trouble staying asleep
• Snoring
• Waking up with a very dry or sore throat
• Frequent headaches in the morning

Wearing an oral appliance that fits over your teeth and helps the airway stay open can help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. This appliance can stop the tongue from blocking the air passage, or it can keep your jaw in a position that impedes airway obstructions during sleep. We invite you to call or visit us to learn more about our sleep apnea treatments.