Sleep Apnea in Bay City, MI

You might not think that sleep apnea is a dental condition, but in many cases, it does fall within the scope of treatment of dental professionals. This is particularly true when sleep apnea is related to things like tooth grinding. Our qualified Bay City Dentist, Dr. Matthew Ward, can determine whether you may have sleep apnea and if it could have long-term consequences for your oral health.

Sleep apnea is the name for a group of conditions that all cause patients to wake periodically throughout the night. They may not know that this is happening, and aside from waking with a dry mouth, reports of snoring from loved ones, and feeling fatigued even after a full night’s sleep, it is difficult to diagnose sleep apnea.

There are many causes of the condition. In some cases, patients may have obstructive sleep apnea, where the soft tissues of the palate and throat “collapse” during sleep and cause the patient to startle awake. Others may have central sleep apnea, which is a nervous system condition that affects breathing regulation during sleep.

Many patients have a combination of both of these, and it’s also very common for patients with sleep apnea to also suffer from a condition known as bruxism, which is teeth grinding. In patients with signs of bruxism, we welcome you to visit our Bay City Dentist Dr. Ward, who may actually be the first one to suggest that sleep apnea might be a factor.

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring, and it is often the first thing loved ones notice. Patients may also experience the following with sleep apnea:

• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Waking up with headaches
• Feeling tired during the day
• Difficulty concentrating
• Moodiness or irritability
• Memory problems

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you also grind your teeth at night, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ward at Bay City Dental Center. We can develop a treatment plan to help you get the restful sleep you need.

Most patients who are diagnosed with sleep apnea first report secondary problems like daytime fatigue to their doctors. Their doctor may ask a series of questions about their sleep habits, and if they suspect that sleep apnea might be the cause of the problem, a sleep study may be ordered.

During a sleep study, a patient is connected to special machines that measure signs of sleep and wakefulness, as well as oxygen levels in the blood.

The treatment of sleep apnea can be as complex as the condition itself, and it may involve more than one person. Your Bay City dentist Dr. Ward, and a family doctor may both have to work on different aspects of the condition for you to find a solution that works for you. Some patients who suffer from sleep apnea find that a CPAP or forced air device helps them to have uninterrupted sleep with normal breathing.

Other patients find mouth guards or oral appliances that prevent teeth grinding and help to position their jaws correctly, is enough to treat their sleep apnea problems.

Sometimes, treatments are combined with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, and in some extreme cases, our Bay City, MI dentist Dr. Ward may recommend surgery to make permanent adjustments to the soft palate or jaw.

No. Sleep apnea is more common in adults, but it can affect people of all ages. Children who are overweight or who snore heavily tend to be more prone to sleep apnea, just like adults, however in some cases, enlarged tonsils and adenoids may be at the root of the problem.

Whether old or young, patients who have sleep apnea will find that the condition affects their quality of life over time, and it’s always a good idea to seek treatment as soon as possible.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is a breathing assistance device commonly used to treat sleep apnea. It is a machine that provides a steady, gentle flow of air and helps keep your airway open while you sleep. These machines come with a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Some patients at Bay City Dental Center find CPAPs cause discomfort, which is why another oral appliance can be a great alternative.

How do you determine which treatment is best for sleep apnea?

Dr. Ward begins each consultation by asking questions about your sleep habits and medical history. Our team then conducts a physical examination of your mouth, throat, and nose. Treatment plans are based on the results of these evaluations. We may recommend one or several ways to move forward — so you achieve the best results.

How long does it take treatment to work?

It depends on the severity of your sleep apnea and the treatment option(s) chosen. You may see results immediately, or it could take a few weeks to get used to using an oral appliance. Some patients may require a combination of treatments to achieve their desired outcomes. Our Bay City, MI, staff can provide a more detailed timeline during an initial consultation.

If your breathing were interrupted hundreds of times every day from your airway being obstructed, you'd seek treatment right away. But when the same thing occurs in your sleep, it might be too easy to put off because you don't remember it when you wake up. If you believe you may be experiencing sleep apnea, Dr. Ward and the team invite you to arrange an appointment at Bay City Dental Center at your earliest convenience.