Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing is blocked or partially obstructed during sleep. This can happen from 5 to over 50 times an hour. Sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles and tongue relax too much during sleep. This blocks the airways in your nose, mouth, or throat. Sleep apnea is more common in patients who:

  • Are 30 and older
  • Are male
  • Have a family history of sleep apnea
  • Are Hispanics or Pacific Islanders
  • Have spine deformities

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Because this disorder happens during sleep, you may not realize that you have it. Your partner may realize that you do the following during sleep:

  • Stop breathing
  • Snore
  • Gasp and choke
  • Toss and turn

If you notice any of the following signs, Dr. Robert H. Watson may treat sleep apnea in Charlotte, North Carolina:

  • Not feeling rested after sleep
  • Feeling drowsy during the day
  • Waking with a headache

When a patient has sleep apnea, our dentist will supply them with a sleep apnea device called a snore guard. This device moves the jaw and tongue forward, which prevents your airways from being obstructed during sleep. This keeps your airways open and prevents snoring.

Please contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.