Taking care of your smile is a lifelong process, and one that certainly falls victim to slack over the years. Indeed, we are taught at a young age to be mindful of tooth decay, too many sugars, and that we need to brush and floss regularly to keep these issues at bay. Though circumstances can arise that result in a need for restorative care, most issues can be avoided with consistent prevention. Some, however, may be completely out of sight out of mind. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist discusses the effects of sleep apnea and how it can transcend oral concerns and lead to total-body effects.

What Is OSA?

It goes without saying that your oral health is the most important factor to consider when dealing with any issue related to the mouth. After all, you could seek all of the cosmetic dentistry in the world, but if you do not have a solid foundation of health, it will all have been for nothing.

Though we are well-equipped to handle a range of common oral health concerns, we as patients may not be knowledgeable about the host of nontraditional issues that can plague our smiles. For instance, you might not be aware that sleep apnea can begin initially as a sleep/oral health issue, but over time, it will evolve into a total-body concern. But what exactly are we dealing with here?

You see, obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when the throat muscles become relaxed as you slumber. As this happens, the tissues block the airway and restrict the amount of oxygen that is able to make its way to the brain. To learn more about this phenomenon, give our team a call today.

Recognizing Immediate Side Effects and Long-Term Issues

It can be difficult to discern if you are truly experiencing OSA, but there are a few telltale signs to look out for. For instance, you may experience daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, awaken with a dry mouth, and more.

In terms of long-term effects, you must be warned that issues present in the form of total-body issues. For example, untreated sleep apnea can result in liver problems, cardiovascular problems, difficulties with medications and surgeries, and more. Contact our team to learn about your treatment options.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Sleep apnea is not a joke, and it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Our team can help you through the use of a custom oral appliance so that you can experience a restful night of sleep without having to worry about questions of total body health.

Learn More Today

Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to schedule your next appointment with our office and learn more about the dangerous effects of untreated sleep apnea today.