Do you snore loudly? Wake up gasping for air? Or feel tired even if you get enough sleep? You might ignore these signs as stress or irregular sleep habits. But it may be something more serious, such as untreated sleep apnea. If left unmanaged, untreated sleep apnea can lead to far more than just fatigue. Let’s discuss what sleep apnea actually is, how it impacts your health, and why it’s important to seek medical assistance sooner rather than later.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by your breathing repeatedly starting and stopping as you sleep. It is more common than many people realize and frequently goes undiagnosed.
There are different kinds, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the muscles in your throat relax so much that they obstruct your airway. Your brain senses the decline in oxygen and briefly wakes you up, enough to restart breathing.
You might not even recall waking up. But such little interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night.
Common Signs You Might Have It
Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Loud snoring (especially if it stops and starts)
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness or trouble focusing
- Mood swings or irritability
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
Not everyone who has sleep apnea snores and not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. That’s why it’s crucial to get evaluated by a professional if you’re having any of these symptoms.
Are you googling “sleep apnea dentist near me?” Book a sleep evaluation with URBN Dental today.
Why Sleep Apnea Is More Serious Than You Think
It is simple to overlook tiredness or else give an excuse of living a busy life. But untreated sleep apnea has broader impacts on your life than just your energy levels.
1. Heart and Blood Pressure Problems
With your breathing constantly interrupted, your oxygen levels fall again and again. That puts major strain on your heart. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart failure and an increased risk of stroke. Your heart needs steady oxygen at night to rest and recover. Sleep apnea takes that away.
2. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea disrupts your metabolism and may lead to insulin resistance. The repeated stress of interrupted breathing can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to manage blood sugar levels.
Over time, this raises your risk for type 2 diabetes, especially if you already have other risk factors.
3. Weight Gain and Hormonal Imbalance
Poor sleep quality can disrupt the hormones responsible for regulating hunger and fullness, increasing the risk of weight gain. You may find yourself craving carbs or eating more than usual. That makes weight gain more likely, which in turn can worsen sleep apnea. It becomes a frustrating cycle.
4. Depression and Anxiety
Sleep affects your mood. When your brain isn’t getting enough rest, it can’t regulate emotions as well. Many people with untreated sleep apnea experience depression, anxiety, or just a general lack of motivation. That mental fog can make it hard to get through the day or enjoy things you used to love.
5. Trouble with Focus and Memory
Your brain needs deep, uninterrupted sleep to function at its best. Without it, you may feel forgetful, foggy, or scatterbrained. Some people even describe it as feeling “off” or not like themselves. Untreated Sleep apnea can affect everything from work performance to personal relationships.
Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Schedule a consultation to protect your long-term health.
How a Dentist Can Support Your Sleep Apnea Treatment
Many people don’t realize that dentists, especially those trained in sleep medicine can play a key role in diagnosing and managing untreated sleep apnea. If you’re in Houston, a dentist will examine your airway, bite, and jaw position to determine if a dental device might be beneficial. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a common, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment option for mild to moderate untreated sleep apnea. It works kind of like a retainer or mouthguard and helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Why Early Action Matters?
Sleep apnea doesn’t just go away on its own. In fact, it often gets worse over time. The sooner you get evaluated, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again. You will be rested, alert, and healthier overall.
Don’t wait until your body is already showing signs of long-term damage. If you’ve been struggling with fatigue or snoring, it’s worth looking into. Improving your sleep quality, even slightly, can lead to noticeable changes in your energy, focus, and health.
The sooner you act, the better your outcomes. Contact URBN Dental to get started.
What to Expect During a Sleep Apnea Evaluation?
Your evaluation often begins with a simple conversation about your sleep patterns and symptoms. Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and may recommend a sleep study either at home or in a lab.
At URBN Dental, we treat sleep apnea using the Vivos Sleep Apnea System, a non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines or surgery. The Vivos device is a custom-fitted oral appliance designed to gently reshape the hard palate and reposition the lower jaw much like how braces gradually realign teeth. As your palate expands and your jaw shifts forward, your upper airway opens up, allowing for easier nighttime breathing. This can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms of untreated sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ dysfunction.
Ready to take control of your sleep and health? Call URBN Dental for a consultation today.
How URBN Dental Can Help?
At URBN Dental, we believe sleep is just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to your well-being. Our team includes dentists trained in sleep apnea care, and we know what signs to look for. Whether you’re struggling with snoring, poor sleep, or just have a gut feeling something’s off, we’re here to help you figure it out.
We’ll listen to your concerns, examine your airway, and work with your sleep specialist (if needed) to create a plan that fits your life. If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we’ll design a custom-fit device to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
So if you’ve been searching for “sleep apnea dentists near me,” or you’re just ready to feel more rested, don’t put it off any longer. Your sleep and your health deserve attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is untreated sleep apnea dangerous?
Yes, if left untreated. It can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
2. Can I treat sleep apnea without a CPAP machine?
Yes. For mild to moderate cases, an oral appliance from a trained dentist may be an option. Talk to a provider to see what’s best for you.
3. How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up tired, gasping for air at night, and daytime sleepiness. A sleep study is needed for diagnosis.
4. Can kids have sleep apnea?
Yes. Children can also have sleep-disordered breathing. Signs may include snoring, mouth breathing, bedwetting, or trouble in school.
5. Where can I find a sleep apnea dentist in Houston?
URBN Dental offers sleep apnea evaluations and treatment options. If you’re searching for a “dentist in Houston near me,” we’d love to help.
