Sleep Apnea FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Bethesda MD

Having trouble sleeping? Feeling tired when you wake in the morning? Does your sleep partner tell you that you make gasping sounds while you sleep? If you answered yes to these questions, there is a chance you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common and potentially serious disorder that involves interrupted breathing patterns during a person’s sleep.

Untreated sleep apnea can result in repeated stops in breathing during your sleep. This prevents your brain and the rest of your body from getting enough rest. Whether your case is mild or quite severe, we understand your frustration and concern. As your sleep apnea dentist in Bethesda, MD, we answer your questions and offer effective treatment methods that will put your sleep apnea to rest for good.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that involves interrupted breathing patterns during a person’s sleep.

What causes sleep apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of apnea, and it is caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep and blocks the airway. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain fails to send a signal to the muscles to breathe. This can happen due to an unstable respiratory control center.

What are the symptoms of OSA?

Many people do not know that they have sleep apnea. They come to see us because of a partner’s concern about their snoring and breathing, or they are experiencing these otherwise unexplained symptoms:

• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Excessive sleepiness
• Irritability and attention issues

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea treated?

We offer many treatment options for sleep apnea, beginning with conservative methods and home instructions before moving on to more significant treatments. Schedule an appointment with us in which we can discuss your sleeping issues and possible treatment options. Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a customized oral appliance, much like a mouth guard or orthodontic retainer, when you sleep to keep your throat open. In addition to helping with snoring, this effective treatment is a great first step for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

How can I stop my snoring?

There are several tangible ways in which you can get started on changing life patterns that often impact snoring. The good news is that these tips will not only help your snoring but lead to overall health as well as a good night’s sleep.

• Eat well to ensure you’re not overweight.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy foods during the four hours leading up to bedtime.
• Do not take sleeping pills, antihistamines, and tranquilizers before you head to bed.
• Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
• Sleep on your side rather than your back.
• Raise the head of your bed a few inches.

What are my options for medically treating snoring?

• Steroid Nasal Spray: As an initial treatment measure, we recommend a medical trial when appropriate. If swelling of the lining of our nose is the reason behind your snoring, taking a steroid nasal spray before bed may be all you need to do to reduce your snoring.
• Oral Appliance Therapy: A customized oral appliance—an effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea—is worn like a mouth guard or orthodontic retainer when you sleep to keep your throat open. Besides helping with snoring, oral appliance therapy is a great first step for mild sleep apnea.

For some, snoring is a symptom of a bigger problem. Whether your case is mild or quite severe, we understand your frustration and concern. Come in for a consultation, and we will answer your questions and offer truly effective treatment methods that will put your sleep apnea to rest for good. We believe in creating and delivering value. Patients can expect to receive dedicated time with Dr. Greenbaum a comprehensive consultation regarding snoring and sleep apnea. If you have unexplained snoring, sluggishness, or headaches, please call our Bethesda MD office today! Bethesda Office Phone Number 301-530-3600