Dentistry is not just limited to the cleaning and care of teeth. Dr. Raj Upadya practices what is known as “complete dentistry,” considering the patient as a whole to treat underlying problems and conditions associated with the mouth, teeth, and TMJ.
In addition to treating common sleeping disorders, we also treat various dental concerns. Dr. Upadya has advanced training in treating diagnosed sleep disorders. If necessary, Dr. Upadya works with your physician to coordinate a diagnostic sleep study for sleep apnea in East Hanover, NJ.
While snoring alone is not a major medical concern, it may indicate a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse and vibrate during sleep, producing the sound known as snoring.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. Patients with OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. This occurs due to a blockage of the airway, typically caused by the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the mouth. There is a strong link between OSA and obesity.
Risk Factors
There is no single cause for snoring or sleep apnea. Drinking, smoking, or using sedatives can often make snoring worse. Patients who are overweight, pregnant, and use drugs are also more likely to snore or suffer from sleep apnea.
The prevalence of sleep apnea increases with age. Experts estimate that as many as 50% of elderly men and women suffer from the disorder.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in East Hanover, NJ
There are a wide variety of treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Upadya focuses on oral appliance therapy, including customized splints, mouth guards, and night guards designed to keep the airways open during sleep.
They fit comfortably in the mouth and should not interrupt sleep. They work by keeping the airway open to prevent snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms. Most patients will use their oral appliance nightly, which is the key to reducing the health risks associated with sleep apnea.
How Does an Oral Appliance Work?
- Repositions the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, or uvula
- Stabilizes the lower jaw and tongue
- Increases the muscle tone of the tongue
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
It may be difficult to diagnose a sleep-related breathing disorder like OSA. It may involve your general physician as well as Dr. Upadya. He may use diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to examine the airway and look for signs of blockage. He may also recommend a sleep study to evaluate your sleep quality.
Dr. Upadya will evaluate your entire medical history to see if there are any indicators of a sleep-breathing disorder. Inform Dr. Upadya if you suffer from these symptoms:
- Daytime sleepiness and the tendency to fall asleep while reading, watching television, or driving
- Loud snoring
- Gasping while sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Problems with concentration, mood, and mental clarity
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Learn more about sleep apnea in East Hanover, NJ, with answers to these common questions:
What is the best position to sleep with sleep apnea?
The best position to sleep with sleep apnea is on your right side. This helps with air and blood flow and also helps prevent snoring. Also, ensure your head is elevated when asleep. Keeping your head elevated can prevent tissues from blocking your air way.
How many times a night does someone with sleep apnea wake up?
People with sleep apnea often wake up many times during the night, usually around five times every hour. This happens because their breathing repeatedly stops and starts, causing them to briefly wake up to start breathing again. In cases of obstructive sleep apnea, the person may wake up even more often—sometimes more than 30 times in just one hour.
What happens if you don’t seek treatment for sleep apnea?
If you don’t seek treatment for sleep apnea, it can lead to serious health problems. Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep, which disrupts the oxygen levels in your body. This can raise your blood pressure, making your heart work harder.
Over time, this increases the risk of serious conditions like high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and even heart failure. It can also lead to other issues, like memory problems, diabetes, and depression. Getting treatment for sleep apnea is important to prevent these health risks and to help you sleep better and feel more energized during the day.
What food should I avoid if I have sleep apnea?
Patients with sleep apnea should avoid meats that have high-fat saturation. This includes burgers, steak, pork, bacon, lamb, and sausage. Patients may also choose to avoid bananas and dairy products because they increase the body’s mucus production, causing more blockages in airways.
Does eating before bed affect sleep apnea?
Patients with sleep apnea should avoid eating large meals at least two hours before bed. Eating large amounts of food before bed will put excess pressure on your diaphragm, worsening your breathing and causing more apneas.
What are the three types of sleep apnea?
The three types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, blocking the airflow. This causes breathing to stop for short periods, leading to loud snoring and often feeling very tired the next day.
- Central Sleep Apnea: This type occurs when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, the airway isn’t blocked, but the brain fails to signal the body to breathe for short periods.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: This type is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Patients with this problem have symptoms of both types. They may need more specialized treatment to manage it.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
Learn more about Snoring and Sleep Apnea treatment at the Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry. Our office is conveniently located near you in the East Hanover, NJ, and Summit, NJ area. Dr. Raj Upadya gladly welcomes new patients and out-of-town patients.