Have you recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea? There are various methods you could try to manage its effects and get it under control. You may be surprised to learn that your dentist can help. By wearing a mouthguard or similar oral appliance, you can breathe normally at night and reduce the effects this condition causes.
This condition occurs when a person suddenly stops breathing during sleep. These interruptions can be as little as a few seconds but may also last a few minutes. If unidentified and untreated, this health problem can be serious. It is caused by an obstructed airway, leaving the person unable to get an adequate amount of oxygen. Usually, people will briefly wake up when breathing stops. This pattern can occur all night long, night after night.
Snoring is one of the most common signs that a person has sleep apnea. People who are unable to get a full night’s rest and feel exhausted during the day may also be struggling with this condition. Other possible symptoms include having a dry mouth and gasping for air in the night. People with this issue may also have headaches in the morning.
An oral appliance is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea. Though a doctor can suggest getting a mouthguard, many patients prefer to visit a dentist. At the dentist’s office, the patient will be fitted with a device similar to a retainer or mouthguard. The person will wear it at night while sleeping to more effectively open the airway and allow more oxygen to enter the body. The appliance keeps the jaw in a forward position and prevents it from collapsing.
Some people may suspect they have sleep apnea but are not sure whether they should visit a dentist to treat this issue. Some people are more prone to having this condition. Overweight and obese patients are more likely to have sleep apnea than patients with normal body weight. Smokers are also more prone to developing breathing problems at night. It is more common for men to struggle with this issue than women. Also, people with larger necks may have narrower airways, thus restricting airflow.
Other treatments such as a CPAP machine could be effective in combating sleep apnea. Patients should meet with their dentist and discuss concerns and talk about the symptoms they are having. The dentist can decide whether an oral appliance is right. If the dentist and patient decide to pursue this treatment, the dentist will determine which style will more likely produce the right results.
Everyone deserves a full night’s sleep. When you cannot breathe well at night, it is impossible to rest soundly and feel refreshed the next day. Fortunately, solutions are available. Make an appointment with your dentist today and ask whether a mouth appliance makes sense to help open your airway. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to help you put an end to snoring and the effects of sleep apnea.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
The field of general dentistry involves taking care of the whole mouth, not only the teeth. Tobacco use is dangerous to your overall well-being, but your oral health is particularly at risk. When you smoke, your mouth is the first place that the nicotine and tar go. A general dentist sees firsthand the damage that…
Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene…
Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should…
Gingivitis is a type of mild gum disease that is often caused by poor general dentistry and oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing teeth as often as recommended. Other causes include tobacco use, poor nutrition, and taking certain medications. Fortunately, this condition usually remains mild if caught and treated early. If not…