Does Sleep Apnea Ever Go Away On Its Own?

Sleep apnea is a disorder where people stop breathing during their sleep. Even though this only happens for a few seconds, the consequences can be severe. 

Both adults and children are at risk for developing sleep apnea, and unfortunately, once the disorder starts, it doesn’t go away on its own. Patients, no matter their age, will need some type of intervention to help treat or manage their condition. 

Keep reading to learn more. 

What Causes Sleep Apnea? 

There are two common types of sleep apnea: 

Obstructive sleep apnea 

This condition is caused by an airway obstruction that temporarily prevents airflow (either partially or entirely) while you sleep. 

Here are some of the main risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea:

• Weight gain
• Excessive alcohol use
• A facial anomaly (such as an improper bite or big tonsils)
• Hormonal changes 

Central sleep apnea 

Here, the brain doesn’t send your body the right signals to breathe. This condition is rare, and most people deal with objective sleep apnea. 

It’s not well known why some people develop central sleep apnea, though some medical conditions can affect the brain and how it sends signals to the body. 

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated? 

Unfortunately, sleep apnea is a chronic condition, and for the most part, it doesn’t go away on its own, nor can it be cured. But there are several ways to manage the disorder and experience relief:

• Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, improving your diet, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce the symptoms of the sleep disorder.
• Custom mouthguards: these appliances hold your jaw in a more optimal position, which allows constant airflow while you sleep;
• CPAP: a device that delivers a constant flow of oxygen through a mask covering the nose. Patients have to sleep with the mask on.
• Vivos Therapy: Vivos Therapy is a revolutionary treatment that harnesses the power of your body's natural healing abilities to provide relief from a wide range of conditions. Using a custom-fit sleep appliance, Vivos can correct issues with the airflow for better sleeping and reduce the need for CPAP.  

Who Treats Sleep Apnea? 

Seeing a dentist doesn’t just help you have a healthy smile; it can also help you access sleep apnea treatments! 

But dentists cannot diagnose the condition, so even if your dentist has noticed the signs of the disorder, they will refer you to a sleep specialist to get an official diagnosis. But once you have it, you can conveniently get sleep apnea therapies like mouth guards at a dentist near you.

Can Dentists Help Kids with Sleep Apnea? 

In some cases, yes. Most children develop sleep apnea because of enlarged tonsils. Dr. Kinard can refer you to a specialist to get your child the appropriate treatment. 

But some kids also develop this disorder due to weight gain or a facial anomaly, in which case Dr. Kinard can help them get a custom mouthguard to relieve their symptoms. 

Request an Appointment Today 

Whether adults or children, Dr. Sarah Kinard is committed to helping those with sleep apnea manage their conditions and finally get restful sleep. 

Learn more about your options by requesting a visit to Kinard Family Dental today.