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title: "What Is Sleep Apnea?"
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  - title: "The Role of our Dentist in Sleep Apnea"
    url: "https://yardleydentalarts.com/2020/02/12/the-role-of-our-dentist-in-sleep-apnea/"
  - title: "What Is Sleep Apnea?"
    url: "https://yardleydentalarts.com/2019/12/11/what-is-sleep-apnea-2/"
  - title: "Find the Right Dentist for Your Sleep Apnea"
    url: "https://yardleydentalarts.com/2020/06/29/find-the-right-dentist-for-your-sleep-apnea/"
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# What Is Sleep Apnea?

![](https://yardleydentalarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dentist-yardley-pa-slider-2018-2-1024x576.jpg)

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects quality of life. If we don’t treat sleep apnea, it can cause further health problems. If we have or suspect that we have sleep apnea, a top dentist in the area may be able to offer some help in dealing with this condition.

**What Is Sleep Apnea?**

[ Sleep apnea](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631?page=0&citems=10) is a disease that causes those who suffer from it to periodically stop breathing throughout the night as they are sleeping.

Sleep apnea is medically classified into three types. The types are:

1, **Obstructive**: The most well-known type of sleep apnea is caused when the throat muscles relax during sleep and cause a physical obstruction that won’t allow air through.

2\. **Central**: This type of sleep apnea is caused by miscommunication between the brain and body that causes the muscles that are in charge of breathing to not work properly. This can lead to a cessation of breathing temporarily.

3\. **Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome**: This is the medical name for a type of sleep apnea where there is both physical obstruction of the throat as well as improper signals to the breathing muscles that are causing breathing to stop throughout the night.

 **Symptoms**

Some ways that sleep apnea may present include:

- Insomnia
- Gasping for air while sleeping
- Loud snoring
- Fatigue during the day
- Decreased concentration throughout the day
- Dry mouth upon awakening
- Irritability

**Risk Factors**

Some factors that can increase the probability we will suffer from sleep apnea include:

- Having narrow airways
- Being of advanced age
- Having excess weight
- Having genetic predisposition
- Using sedatives or alcohol
- Smoking cigarettes
- Having congested nasal passages

If we experience any of the symptoms or have several risk factors, it may be prudent to get a medical diagnosis of sleep apnea. Once we have a diagnosis, a top dentist in the area can work with us and our sleep doctor to find a treatment that works.

**How Can Dentists Help Patients With Sleep Apnea?**

[ Dentists](https://www.aadsm.org/for_patients.php) are able to work with doctors in other specialties to find out which treatments will be most effective in reducing or eliminating the problem.

If we are unable to use a [CPAP machine](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/features/cpap-machine) and want to avoid surgery and pharmaceuticals, our dentist can offer appliance therapy as an option.

Whether you need help alleviating sleep apnea issues or want a cleaning, use a top dentist in the area. Call Yardley Dental Arts to book an appointment today.

![👔](https://assets.grammarly.com/emoji/v1/1f454.svg)


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