Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition that causes breathing cessation multiple times at night. Of course, this disrupts sleep, leading to irritability and daytime drowsiness, but these are not the only complications associated with this condition.  

Untreated sleep apnea can have severe consequences, including but not limited to high blood pressure and sudden stroke. It is hard on the cardiovascular system, so treatment is crucial.

Sleep apnea may be central, obstructive, or complex, but is it hereditary? Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea in Charlotte, NC, including types, genetic links, other risk factors, complications, and treatment.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis? Which Type Do You Have?

Sleep apnea may be central, obstructive, or complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most commonly diagnosed of the three.

Central Sleep Apnea

When the brain does not consistently send signals for sustained nighttime breathing, it is due to central sleep apnea. This condition can be idiopathic or linked to specific health conditions like congestive heart failure and opioid use. CPAP, a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, may also cause central sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common apnea. It means the airway is blocked periodically during sleep. This can result from anatomical issues, thicker neck circumference, and obesity. It is linked to throat or airway tissues relaxing or collapsing during sleep. It is natural for some ease of tension during sleep, even in the throat and airway, but if the relaxation is severe or exaggerated, it leads to obstructive sleep apnea.

Complex Sleep Apnea

Consider complex sleep apnea a hybrid of central and obstructive sleep apnea. It often results from wearing the CPAP mask to treat the obstructive form of this condition. In some cases, complex sleep apnea is transient and periodic, so it will not require a change in your current treatment.

Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Snoring is the hallmark of sleep apnea. However, if you live alone or your partner sleeps through the snoring, you may not know the problem.

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include some or all of the following:

• Snoring or gasping
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability and mood changes
• Waking during the night
• Dry throat or mouth
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Difficulty losing weight
• Dental issues

Unfortunately, untreated sleep apnea often leads to more severe complications that may be silent at first or unexpected, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart health issues
• Kidney damage
• Stroke episodes

About Sleep Apnea and Dental Health

Sometimes, sleep apnea is linked to bruxism. This is the nocturnal habit of grinding and clenching your teeth during sleep. Without treatment, bruxism can wear down teeth and compromise your enamel. You may notice:

• Tooth wear and tear
• Dental fractures
• New cavities
• Tooth infections
• Jaw pain
• Head and neck pain
• Increased musculature in front of the ears
• Temporomandibular joint issues (TMJ)

Sleep apnea can also mean dry mouth, which promotes tooth decay.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for central sleep apnea, the most common type of this condition.

• Endocrine or Hormonal Changes — Endocrine or hormone issues, including low thyroid levels, can alter the anatomical structures in the mouth, face, or airway, leading to obstructive sleep apnea. Growth hormones and diabetes (high insulin) can also put you at risk.
• Age — Age plays a role in sleep apnea risks because the tissues supporting an open airway may change throughout the years, especially as one ages.
• Kidney or Heart Issues — Fluid retention is common in these conditions, and fluid buildup can occur anywhere in the body, including the neck or face, which puts you at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Anatomical Issues — Anatomical issues may occur at birth but change over time. Issues like enlarged tonsils, adenoids, neck circumference, or enlarged tongue can put you at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Gender — Being male poses a greater risk for sleep apnea, which can start at a younger age and be severe in some cases.
• Lifestyle Factors and Habits — People who smoke, use drugs (even recreationally), and drink may be at a greater risk for sleep apnea. Alcohol and specific drugs may cause the upper airway and surrounding tissues to relax too much. Smoking leads to upper-airway inflammation.
• Weight Issues — Obesity can cause weight gain everywhere, including the neck, which puts you at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Being overweight is one of the most common sleep apnea risks. Losing weight may help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea.
• Hereditary Factors — You may wonder, “Is sleep apnea hereditary?” Genetics plays a role in many conditions, and sleep apnea can be hereditary in the sense that you may inherit anatomical anomalies that put you at risk, similar to other close family members.

Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary? Genetics and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

According to a recent study, obstructive sleep apnea has several potential genetic risks. For example, if specific anatomical features are inherent to a family, the risk of multiple family members being diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea is greater. However, this is most common with immediate family members, such as children, siblings, and parents.

It may be that a family is predisposed to a thicker neck circumference or thyroid disease, putting them at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

It is believed that genetics and environment work together in obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment with Your Charlotte Dentist

Dr. Heather Gentry is a holistic dentist with advanced training in many dental specialties, including sleep apnea treatment. She recognizes the signs and can take measures to aid in your diagnosis and treatment.

The American Dental Association recommends dentists screen for sleep apnea. And in many cases, they can provide treatment.

Dr Gentry offers take-home sleep apnea tests for patients suspected of this condition. The at-home test monitors your sleep and contributes to your diagnosis. She also evaluates your teeth and throat for the telltale signs of this condition.

Some patients opt for CPAP therapy after a sleep apnea diagnosis to maintain safe and healthy sleep, but this machine is bulky and cumbersome—not everyone can adapt to it. It is also difficult to travel with it. The CPAP is a mask hooked to a machine that delivers continuous air into the mouth, nose, or airway at night.

You may need a gentler treatment option, such as a custom nightguard. You wear this custom appliance over the teeth, and it gently thrusts the jaw forward during sleep, keeping your airway open and free from obstruction.

Dr. Gentry may also recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss or quitting tobacco.  

She will evaluate you and may consult with a sleep specialist to determine whether you are a candidate for appliance therapy.

We do urge you to seek an evaluation if you suspect sleep apnea. The consequences of leaving this condition untreated can be severe, and your safety and well-being are always the priority at Gentry Dental.

Contact Your Charlotte Dentist Today

If you suspect sleep apnea or want to book a comprehensive evaluation with the dentist, a friendly team member is standing by to help you.

At Gentry Dental, we file all insurance claims on your behalf, though we are not in-network. Additionally, we accept third-party financing through various companies to help you budget your dental care. Finally, we have our own in-office savings plan to help our valued patients who don’t have dental coverage. Ask a team member for details.