If you find that you are suffering from interrupted sleep there is a possibility that you have some form of apnea. This condition can be related to the mouth, which dentists have access to in their check ups. Read on if you are concerned about the condition.
There are two main forms of apnea, one of which is caused by the muscles at the rear of the mouth. Your dentist can diagnose this version of apnea or determine that the mouth is not the cause, thus meaning that you have the other form.
Sleep apnea is brought on by the muscles at the rear of the mouth relaxing during sleep. This causes the brain to send a signal to the body to wake up because insufficient oxygen is getting through. Sleep apnea patients experience broken sleep patterns which can have a detrimental effect on the rest of their lives. They will often be fatigued during the day and are more likely to experience traffic accidents as a result. The condition can be dealt by the patient wearing a device in their mouth during sleep which ensures that oxygen gets through as intended.
Far more concerning is central apnea, which is actually related to the brain itself. This is usually present alongside more serious, underlying health concerns such as heart disease. By eliminating sleep apnea, your dentist can help diagnose central apnea.
All of which is further incentive to get into the habit of visiting your dentist every six months for a check up. Your City of Leeds dentist is an expert in all areas of your mouth and can help with the diagnosis of the debilitating condition known as central apnea.