What Is Sleep Apnea?
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These interruptions are often caused by a blockage of the airway (known as obstructive sleep apnea) or by the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing (central sleep apnea). Most commonly, the airway becomes blocked when soft tissues in the throat collapse during sleep.
These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens—or even hundreds—of times per night. The result? Your body is jolted out of deep, restorative sleep over and over again, often without you even knowing it.
If you find yourself waking up tired, struggling with daytime fatigue, snoring loudly, or experiencing morning headaches, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Left untreated, this condition has been linked to serious health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.
When to seek treatment
- Loud, chronic snoring
Frequent, disruptive snoring often signals airway obstruction.
- Pauses in breathing
Witnessed by a bed partner or detected during a sleep study.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Struggling to stay awake during routine activities like reading or driving.
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
Resulting from low oxygen levels and disrupted airflow.
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Our What Is Sleep Apnea? Services
Have Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve just been diagnosed or suspect an issue. You may have questions about its seriousness, effective treatments, and potential lifestyle changes. At Bahia Dental Group, we’re committed to providing clear answers and compassionate care while addressing the common concerns of patients seeking solutions for sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea affect my health long term?
Yes—untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems.
What treatment options are available?
Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend: Occlusal splints or night guards to protect teeth and reduce muscle strain Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles Dental adjustments to correct bite alignment Stress-reduction techniques and counseling for tension relief Referral for injections or surgery in rare, severe cases
How long until I notice improvement?
Many patients experience relief within weeks of beginning therapy. Complete resolution can take several months depending on severity and adherence to recommended exercises and appliances. Regular follow-ups help us fine-tune your plan for optimal results.
What’s the first step to getting treated?
We’ll help coordinate a sleep study if you haven’t had one yet, and then customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Why should I choose Bahia Dental Group for sleep apnea care?
We take a personalized, whole-body approach to treating sleep apnea—focusing on long-term comfort, not just quick fixes. At Bahia Dental Group, you'll get expert care using non-surgical solutions like oral appliances and laser therapy, all delivered in a supportive, judgment-free environment. We work closely with sleep physicians when needed and tailor every treatment to fit your lifestyle and health goals. Your restful nights—and healthier days—start here.
The Bahia Dental Difference
Our sleep apnea treatments are designed to open your airway and improve oxygen flow—without the need for a CPAP machine. We offer oral appliance therapy and soft-tissue laser treatments to support comfortable, lasting relief for both snoring and apnea.