Sleep Apnea Treatment in Valley Village, CA

Are you suffering from sleep apnea? Call Rite Dentist at 818-766-7776 today for sleep apnea treatment from a holistic dentist in Valley Village, CA.

Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. People suffering from sleep apnea may stop breathing for brief intervals while they sleep, leading to tiredness, stress, and other health issues.

Sleep apnea reduces oxygen levels in the blood and may lead to potentially severe consequences without proper diagnosis and treatment. At Rite Dentist, we treat sleep apnea with a holistic dentistry approach to improve your health and well-being.

Rite Dentist in Valley Village, CA, is a holistic practice offering alternative and natural therapies beyond traditional dentistry. Holistic dentist Dr. Maryet Nikkie Babrood will look beyond the symptoms to seek causes of sleep apnea and help you improve your overall health. 

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea usually falls under obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

•   Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common form of sleep apnea. It happens when an airway narrows or gets blocked, typically because the muscles supporting the soft tissues around the air passage relax. When this occurs, soft tissues may temporarily obstruct the airway.
•   Central sleep apnea may occur when the respiratory control center in the brain doesn’t work correctly. Then the connection between the brain and the muscles responsible for breathing falls out of sync.

Many people are unaware that they suffer from sleep apnea. As a result, they may feel tired during the day and conclude that they need more hours of sleep. However, early bedtime and 8 hours of rest won’t counteract recurring sleep disruptions due to sleep apnea.

Symptoms that point to a sleep apnea diagnosis include:

•   Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
•   Waking up short of breath
•   Loud snoring
•   Choking, gasping, or snorting sounds during sleep
•   Headaches in the morning
•   Drowsiness and fatigue during the day

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

People of all ages, even children, may suffer from sleep apnea. However, men over 40 are at a higher risk. Other sleep apnea risk factors include:

•   Excess weight
•   Smoking
•   A large neck
•   Large tonsils and tongue
•   A small jawbone
•   Sinus problems or allergies
•   GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
•   A family history of sleep apnea

Untreated sleep apnea may harm your quality of life due to constant fatigue. It can reduce functioning at work or school and make driving dangerous. In some instances, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.

Moreover, people who suffer from sleep apnea may experience complications requiring general anesthesia. Since sleep apnea slows down the breathing rate, it increases the patient’s sensitivity to anesthetic and may make it more difficult for patients to wake up after surgery.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treating sleep apnea will depend on the causes and the severity of your condition. A holistic treatment approach at our office may include:

•   Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, sleeping on your side, and ending a smoking habit
•   Oral devices that prevent throat blockage
•   Surgery for nasal or airway passages in severe cases

Appliances for Sleep Apnea

In many cases, behavioral changes and appropriate devices can help sleep apnea patients avoid surgery. Common sleep apnea appliances include:

•   CPAP. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine continuously blows air down the throat to keep airways open throughout the night. A CPAP consists of a mask that fits over the nose and mouth.
•   Nightguard. An oral appliance for sleep apnea looks like a mouthguard used for sports. Oral devices ease the lower jaw forward to reduce throat constriction and open airway space.
•   Tongue-retaining device. This device helps keep the airway open by fixing the tongue in place. A tongue retainer looks somewhat like a pacifier with a space for the tongue.

Oral devices have the advantage of being more compact and convenient than CPAP. For example, suppose our dentist recommends an oral appliance for sleep apnea. In that case, we will ensure a proper fit and remind you to clean the device regularly to prevent bacterial accumulations or unpleasant odors.

Rite Dentist: Holistic Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Valley Village, CA

At Rite Dentist, we combine the highest level of oral care with a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere to send every patient away smiling. In addition, Dr. Babrood and the professional, caring team will suggest a customized treatment approach that addresses your overall health.

To book an appointment for sleep apnea treatment with Rite Dentist in Valley Village, CA, call our office at 818-766-7776.