What Are The 3 Types Of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing while you are asleep. Statistical data shows roughly 18 million Americans suffer from one of the three types of sleep apnea, and research also reflects a distinctive link between sleep apnea and dental health. Here at Falcon Dental in Falcon, Colorado we have a dedicated staff of experts who take sleep apnea very seriously. Let’s take a deeper look at it and we’ll show you how the right dental care can help! 

Sleep Apnea 101

The way sleep apnea works is that it deprives the body from getting oxygen while you are asleep. The lack of oxygen activates a survival reflex that wakes you up just enough to start breathing again. This pattern can repeat itself anywhere from five to 30 times (or even more) every hour and occurs throughout the night. It’s no wonder that those who suffer from sleep apnea complain of daytime fatigue! 

That survival reflex keeps you alive, but it interrupts your sleep cycle, preventing healthy, restful sleep. It can also affect anyone you share a bed with, and has recently been linked with divorce rates and a phenomenon coined “bedtime divorce”. Sleep apnea can also do much more harm. It puts stress on your heart, causes high blood pressure, metabolic system disorders, and adversely impacts your oral health. 

Let’s take a look at the three types of sleep apnea. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This is the more common form of sleep apnea that occurs when throat muscles relax. As the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in which causes restrictions in your airflow. When you can’t get enough air, the oxygen levels in your body drop. During this time of airway restriction, you might snort, choke, or gasp. The brain gets the message that you can’t breathe and wakes you up to remedy the problem — and that cycle is on repeat. 

Those who suffer from OSA are unable to reach the deep, restful phase of sleep. This particular form of sleep apnea is entwined with dental health, as affected throat muscles support the soft palate, tonsils, and sides of the throat and tongue. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, grinding or clenching your teeth, waking up with headaches, a sore throat, or a sore jaw, speak with an expert at Falcon Dental about how the right oral care can alleviate pain and help you achieve restful sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea 

This form of sleep apnea is less common, but it occurs when your brain fails to send the proper messages to the muscles that regulate breathing. People who suffer from central sleep apnea make no effort to breathe for a short period of time. They may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep.

Complex Sleep Apnea 

Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this condition is a combination of OSA and Central Sleep Apnea. 

How Can The Right Dental Remedy Help?

There are several causes for the different types of sleep apnea. Some of the main contributors are underlying oral health issues like having a short lower jaw, a misshapen palate, or a narrow upper airway. 

Falcon Dental offers an effective alternative to a CPAP machine for the treatment of Sleep Apnea and snoring. Our custom made mouth device functions like a mouth guard and supports your mouth and throat to enable a better night’s sleep. Speak to one of our professionals to find out more about how we can help! 

Falcon Dental offers many other services as well, including restorative dental care. See what we have to say about Crowns vs. Veneers on our previous blog post.  

If you suspect you or your partner is suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important that you speak to a dental professional to learn more. Contact us for a free consultation today and start sleeping better ASAP!