Sleep Apnea and Your Health in Silver Spring, MD

Is Sleep Apnea Affecting You? Our Silver Spring Sleep Dentist Can Help

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that interrupts your breathing throughout the night. It occurs due to a blockage in the airway, jolting you awake because of the lack of oxygen. In most cases, people won’t remember waking up during their sleep apnea episodes. Without treatment, sleep apnea can result in a wide variety of symptoms that impact both your physical and mental health daily.

To learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Silver Spring, MD, contact our office by calling 301-593-5500 to get started! We also proudly serve patients near Bethesda, Takoma Park, and Rockville. 

Sleep Apnea Support From Our Reliable Sleep Dentist, Dr. Bassford

For patients in the Silver Spring, MD, area dealing with sleep apnea, Dr. Bassford offers expert care just a short drive away. After you’ve received a diagnosis from your sleep specialist, she can help guide you toward an effective, personalized treatment. With years of experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Bassford provides comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliances and various other sleep treatment options designed to keep your airway open and reduce nighttime interruptions. At Silver Spring Sleep Solutions, we take a collaborative, patient-focused approach to help you sleep deeply and wake up feeling truly rested—night after night.

Types of Sleep Apnea Near Rockville, MD

There are two main types of sleep apnea that most patients suffer from:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat block your airway during sleep. This interrupts the flow of oxygen, causing you to snore and wake up repeatedly throughout the night. 
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) — occurs when the brain isn’t sending the proper messages to your body to breathe during sleep. This type of sleep apnea is typically caused due to an underlying health condition.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Silver Spring, MD

Without a proper diagnosis, it can be hard to determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. However, if you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, we suggest scheduling a consultation at with our sleep dentist near you:

• Loud snoring
• Memory issues
• Getting up multiple times/night to go to the bathroom
• Decreased libido
• Waking up with headaches and/or dry mouth
• Gasping or choking sounds while you sleep
• Fatigue during the day
• Irritability
• Mood changes

You can schedule your consultation with our sleep dentist near Bethesda by calling our practice at 301-593-5500.

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

Certain factors are likely to increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, including:

• Obesity 
• Large neck circumference
• Tobacco use
• Nasal congestion
• Alcohol consumption 
• Age

Dangers to Your Health

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to the development of other serious health conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms that accompany a sleep disorder to ensure you can seek the treatment you need. The consequences go far beyond fatigue from lack of sleep — untreated sleep apnea has been linked to life-threatening issues including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. 

In addition to physical health consequences, sleep apnea can negatively affect your mental health as well. When you’re not getting the restorative sleep your body needs, you’ll start to feel tired and lack motivation. Eventually, this can result in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Sleep You Need for a Healthy Life

Dr. Alice Bassford is board certified and a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. When you visit Silver Spring Sleep Solutions for a consultation, she’ll check your airway for signs of sleep apnea and ask you some questions about the quality of sleep you’ve been getting. She’ll also make sure you get the correct diagnosis for your condition and determine the treatment that’s best for you.

Many of our patients find relief using oral appliance therapy. These easy-to-use devices gently reposition the jaw forward, allowing you to breathe freely throughout the night. Our patients tell us that oral appliance therapy is a convenient alternative to CPAP, which can be loud, uncomfortable, and difficult to use.

It’s time to get effective relief for your sleep apnea so you can wake up every morning feeling refreshed and ready to go. Call our Silver Spring office at 301-593-5500 today to learn more about our sleep apnea care and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bassford — it’s your first step on the road to a healthier life. We also proudly serve patients near Bethesda, Takoma Park, and Rockville. 

Make an Appointment Today