Sleep Apnea Treatment in Centerville, OH

Do you often wake up feeling like you haven't slept a wink, or has your partner joked about your snoring being loud enough to wake the neighbors? It might be more than just a nuisance; it could be a sign of sleep apnea, a common sleep issue that can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life.

Dr. Linty and our dental team in Dayton, OH, offer a holistic approach to sleep apnea treatment that addresses the root causes and systemic effects, not just its symptoms.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder. It affects nearly 40 million people in the US and nearly a billion worldwide. Its symptoms include episodes of paused breathing (apneas) that lead to disrupted sleep and decreased blood oxygen levels.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in the throat soften and relax, allowing the tongue to fall back and block the airway during sleep. 

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is another type of sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by narrowing of the airway during sleep. 

At Ohio Holistic Dental Center, we look at the bigger picture to see beyond the symptoms and address sleep apnea's effects on your general health and well-being. 

Risk factors for OSA include: 

• Being overweight 
• Having a thicker neck circumference 
• Being male
• Being older
• Having a family history
• Using alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
• Smoking 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

If someone has mentioned your loud snoring, choking sounds, or gasping for air, you may have OSA. However, it can be challenging to recognize the symptoms on your own, so it's good to be aware of the daytime effects: 

• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent morning headaches
• Insomnia
• Daytime fatigue

Sleep apnea also shows up in less obvious ways; irritability, mood swings, depression, difficulty concentrating, and drowsy driving accidents are signs your body's not getting the rejuvenating rest it needs, especially when combined with any of the other symptoms listed. 

Health Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea

Beyond the effects of not getting enough rest, sleep apnea poses significant health risks, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Acid reflux

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing sleep apnea involves reviewing your medical and dental history and specialized tests. Dr. Linty also offers at-home sleep study kits without needing an overnight sleep lab stay.

She will recommend a personalized treatment approach using a variety of holistic and biological treatment interventions for sleep apnea:

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) — Custom-fitted appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), designed to reposition your jaw to keep your airway open and unobstructed during sleep.

NightLase® Snoring Treatment — Non-invasive laser treatment enhances the airway’s size, minimizing sleep apnea’s effects and decreasing vibrations that lead to loud snoring.

Lifestyle Modifications — Recommendations on diet, weight management, and exercise to support your overall health.

Positional Therapy — Advice on how to maintain a side-sleeping position that helps prevent airway collapse.

Breathing Exercises — Techniques aimed at strengthening respiratory muscles and improving oxygen flow.

Myofunctional Therapy — Neuromuscular exercises to improve tongue position and nasal breathing.

Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep and Health

Contact Ohio Holistic Dental Center today at (937) 428-2288 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Linty, our sleep apnea dentist in Dayton, OH, and get the restful sleep your body needs.