Take Charge of Your Sleep

If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from headaches, restless nights, and a whole lot more, you‘re in luck. Family Dentistry of Westford has the knowledge, tools, and experience to help you take back control of your sleep with our sleep apnea help.

Sleep Apnea — What Is It?

Sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans.

Not only that but one in 50 sufferers are undiagnosed. That’s two-to-four percent of the whole country!

When you have sleep apnea, your airway becomes partially or completely blocked, leading to pauses in breathing that can last for seconds or even minutes. This interruption in breathing can happen multiple times throughout the night, robbing you of the restful sleep you need.

What Health Problems Does It Cause?

Sleep apnea doesn't just leave you feeling groggy and irritable during the day. It can have serious consequences on your overall health and well-being.

Here are some of the health problems associated with untreated sleep apnea:

  • High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea makes your blood pressure spike repeatedly throughout the night. That puts a lot of strain on your cardiovascular system.
  • Heart Disease: The constant interruptions in breathing can increase the risk of major health issues like irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, and stroke.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea can cause insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
  • Weight Gain: Since poor sleep affects hormones that regulate appetite, you’ll find yourself craving high-calorie foods more often than is healthy.
  • Mental Health Issues: Sleep apnea can cause depression, anxiety, and brain fog.
  • Daytime Fatigue and Accidents: The lack of quality sleep can make you excessively tired during the day. This affects your concentration, productivity, and makes you more likely to have an accident. It can be seriously dangerous!

Treatment Options

Sleep apnea is no joke, but Family Dentistry of Westford has you covered.

We offer a variety of safe and effective treatments, so Dr. Schofield, Dr. Martin, or Dr. Smagula definitely find the right one for you.

Oral Appliance Therapy

We use a custom-made oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard, to keep your airway open during sleep. It's comfortable, portable, and highly effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea cases.

Lifestyle Modifications

All of our treatment options will work in tandem with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side. This is a major part of your sleep apnea treatment.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

With CPAP therapy, you’ll wear a specialized mask over your nose or mouth to deliver a continuous flow of air, keeping your airway open.

 

Surgery

In severe cases of sleep apnea, when other treatments haven't been successful, Dr. Martim, Schofield, and Smagula may recommend surgical intervention.

We can refer you to the appropriate specialist with whom we’ll work closely to ensure you have a great experience.

sleep-apnea-treatment

How to Tell If You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in the United States, but Family Dentistry of Westford is here to help.

Be sure to let Dr. Martin, Schofield, or Smagula know if you or a loved one experiences any of the following:

  • Loud & Persistent Snoring: Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. If your snoring is loud and frequent, especially accompanied by pauses in breathing or choking sounds, it's essential to get evaluated.
  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired and fatigued during the day, even after a full night's sleep, is a major sign of sleep apnea.
  • Morning Headaches: Waking up with frequent headaches or migraines can be a result of oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea.
  • Irritability and Mood Changes: Sleep apnea affects quality of sleep, leading to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Waking Up Gasping or Choking: If you frequently wake up abruptly feeling short of breath, gasping, or choking, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
  • Frequent Nighttime Urination: Since sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, it can lead to increased production of urine and more nighttime trips to the bathroom.
  • Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: If you wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat, it could be a sign that you're breathing through your mouth during sleep.

If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, don't wait to seek professional help. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process.

Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep

Remember, a good night's sleep is not a luxury. At Family Dentistry of Westford, we take your health seriously. Dr. Martin, Dr. Schofield, and Dr. Smagula have everything you need for personalized and effective sleep apnea treatment options tailored specifically for you.

Take control of your sleep apnea today and regain the energy and vitality you deserve. Contact Family Dentistry of Westford today to schedule your consultation and start your journey towards better sleep. Your future self will thank you!