What Is Sleep Apnea?

If you find yourself constantly exhausted no matter how early you go to bed, or if your partner mentions loud snoring followed by pauses in breathing, sleep apnea could be the hidden cause. This common yet serious sleep disorder can affect your physical health, mental clarity, and overall quality of life. 

At Dublin Smiles, Dr. Breanne Bleakmore and her compassionate team understand the true impact untreated sleep apnea can have on your well-being and are here to help you breathe, and sleep, easier.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing while you sleep. While it might sound harmless, these pauses can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night, significantly disrupting restful sleep and straining your cardiovascular system.

The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing oral tissue to block the airway as you sleep. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty focusing and irritability

At Dublin Smiles in Dublin, OH, we take a whole-person approach to care, which means we look beyond dental symptoms and consider how issues like sleep apnea could be affecting your overall health and daily comfort.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea. Understanding these risk factors helps identify the best treatment for your unique case. Common causes include:

• Excess weight or obesity
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• A family history of sleep apnea
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Sleeping on your back

As part of our comfort-first environment, Dr. Bleakmore takes time to carefully assess every patient with a detailed consultation. By exploring your full health history and symptoms, we can better understand what’s contributing to issues like disrupted sleep and tailor a solution that feels right for you.

Why Treatment Matters

Sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime nuisance. Left untreated, it has been linked to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive issues. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can take a toll on your mood, relationships, and productivity. Getting care for sleep apnea can help you:

• Wake up refreshed and energized
• Improve concentration and mental sharpness
• Lower stress and anxiety
• Support heart and metabolic health

With advanced technology and a personalized touch, Dublin Smiles offers diagnostic insight and collaborative care solutions that align with your comfort and goals. We even provide complimentary consultations to make exploring your options as easy, and as stress-free, as possible.

Dental Solutions for Sleep Apnea

Many people are surprised to learn that your dentist can play a key role in treating sleep apnea. At Dublin Smiles, we provide custom oral appliances that help keep your airway open during sleep, without the bulk of a CPAP machine.

These devices are minimally invasive, travel-friendly, and tailored to your bite for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Our custom oral appliances are ideal for those who:

• Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• Struggle with CPAP compliance
• Desire a quiet, non-invasive treatment option

Dr. Bleakmore’s experience, combined with leading-edge dental tools, ensures your device is precisely crafted and adjusted for lasting relief. We’re here to support your journey toward better sleep in the most compassionate way possible.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep in Dublin

At Dublin Smiles, your comfort and wellness come first. If you suspect sleep apnea is interfering with your life, don’t wait to seek answers. Call (614) 764-9755 to schedule a complimentary sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Breanne Bleakmore and discover sleep solutions designed around you. We welcome patients in and around Dublin who want to rest easier, live healthier, and feel more like themselves again.