What Causes Sleep Apnea? | WebMD
Key Takeaways
- Sleep apnea occurs when breathing starts and stops repeatedly during sleep, and its causes vary by type.
- Obstructive sleep apnea results from factors like obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and a thick neck.
- Central sleep apnea stems from issues that affect the brain’s control of breathing and chest muscles, such as hormone levels.
- Dr. Jung offers specialized care for sleep apnea, including collaborative care, laser therapy, and oral appliance therapy to improve breathing.
- Related resources provide additional information on sleep apnea, its connection to genetics, and new treatment technologies.
With sleep apnea, your breathing starts and stops over and over again. But what actually causes it?
What causes sleep apnea depends on what type you have:
Obstructive sleep apnea. Things that narrow your airway or interfere with your airflow, including obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a thick neck, can cause this type.
Central sleep apnea. Anything that affects your brain’s control of your breathing and chest muscles can cause this type. This includes hormone levels as well as certain health conditions.
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea
How Dr. Jung Can Help
Your sleep & airway focused dentist in Mansfield is an excellent starting point for addressing sleep concerns because we are skilled in recognizing the signs of this condition, especially those related to oral and facial development. Dr. Jung can identify the dental impacts of sleep apnea. Our familiarity with your oral health history makes us well-positioned to detect and address these issues. Dr. Jung has also undergone specialized further education and training to address sleep apnea, making her an expert in these areas. Here are some of our specialized services:
- Collaborative Care: We collaborate with other healthcare professionals for holistic care, addressing any related respiratory or sleep issues.
- Laser Therapy: The advanced laser can be used in various ways to help treat sleep disorders. This is done by tightening areas in the mouth that could limit airflow, which causes snoring. This is a painless procedure.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Most of our patients benefit a great deal from sleeping with a special mouthguard that encourages proper jaw alignment and nasal breathing. Learn more about oral appliance therapy here.
Related links:
Educational Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized dental or medical advice. Every patient’s oral health situation is unique. Please schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Jiyoung Jung or a qualified dental professional before making any treatment decisions. The information shared here is not a substitute for a personalized clinical evaluation.
