Sleep apnea, snoring, and other breathing issues can greatly affect your quality of sleep, overall health, and wellbeing. When your breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, a range of other medical conditions can result, including atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular disease. At Dental Health & Wellness of Long Island in Northport, NY, we offer a range of airway management techniques as well as sleep apnea treatment options to provide relief. Dr. Steven Lamberg has an advanced understanding of the relationships between proper breathing and overall health. He also created the Lamberg SleepWell Appliance, an FDA-approved sleep apnea treatment, and uses this tool along with other treatments for improving nighttime breathing.
The Dangers of Sleep Disordered Breathing
Sleep disordered breathing refers to a range of sleep disorders which occur during sleep. Snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and obstructive sleep apnea are three common examples of sleep disordered breathing, all of which can have harmful effects on both your oral and overall health. Simple snoring is the mildest form of the disorder, resulting from near collapse of the upper airway during sleep.
If someone in your life has mentioned that you snore, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment at our practice.
Both UARS and obstructive sleep apnea interrupt sleep and cause breathing to become more difficult. Strained breathing during sleep lowers the levels of oxygen in the blood and places a greater strain on the heart. Sleep apnea patients are more likely to suffer from heart problems and other serious conditions.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most noticeable sign of sleep apnea is typically loud snoring. If someone in your life has mentioned that you snore, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment at our practice. Dr. Lamberg can examine your oral health and identify signs of sleep disordered breathing. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up abruptly during the night
- Awakening with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Headaches in the morning
- Insomnia
- Attention issues
- Irritability and mood issues
Any of these symptoms can indicate an issue with your breathing during sleep. You will likely need a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea. The treatment options recommended to you will depend on whether your sleep apnea is mild, moderate, or severe.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Quality sleep is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing. At Dental Health & Wellness of Long Island, we offer a range of treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring, such as:
- Oral appliance therapy: Dr. Lamberg can provide a custom sleep appliance, such as the Lamberg SleepWell Appliance, to reposition your jaw during the night and maintain an open airway.
- Positional therapy: Learning to sleep on your side rather than your back is often a good way to resolve snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea. We can instruct you on techniques for adjusting your sleeping positions.
- Lifestyle counseling: Certain lifestyle factors can increase the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as being overweight or smoking. We provide nutrition and lifestyle counseling to help reduce your symptoms and improve your sleep.
For severe sleep apnea, other treatments, such as a CPAP machine, may be necessary to provide sufficient relief. Dr. Lamberg can work with you to find the treatment option most suited to your unique needs.
Improve Your Breathing
Snoring and sleep apnea can have negative effects on both your oral health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Lamberg provides airway management for both of these conditions as well as other concerns, such as mouth breathing in children. Learn more about airway management and sleep apnea treatment by contacting our office online or calling (631) 261-6014 to speak to a member of our team today.