Trouble with Sleep Apnea? Your Dentist Can Help!

Do you worry each night about whether or not you’ll get good sleep? Do you wake up in the morning feeling drowsy and unrested? You may have sleep apnea, which is a common sleep condition that causes pauses in breathing, making it difficult to sleep. Thankfully, your dentist has an easy and effective treatment option to help you take back control when it comes to your rest. Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and how your dentist can help you count sheep with ease!

But First, What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?

There are various types of sleep apnea, but the most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when the throat muscles relax so much during sleep that it causes a block in your airway, making it hard to breathe and sleep. This can happen sometimes hundreds of times during the night, often leading to gasping and breathlessness when awakening. 

How Do You Know if You Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs at night, which is why the warning signs can be difficult to spot. However, you and your sleeping partner should be on the lookout for these common symptoms:

• Loud snoring
• Waking up feeling out of breath
• Morning headaches
• Daytime drowsiness
• Mood swings
• Trouble concentrating
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat

While being aware of these warning signs is important, the only way to know if you have sleep apnea with certainty is to undergo a sleep study.

How Can Your Dentist Help?

Historically, the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine has been the go-to for sleep apnea therapy. This option forces air through a nasal piece, allowing you to breathe uninterrupted. However, studies show that patients are likely to stop using this option over time due to its inconvenience, bulkiness, and lack of comfort.

Your dentist offers an easy-to-use alternative: oral appliances. The best part is that this solution can fit in your pocket, making it easy to travel with. There are multiple options for oral appliances, including:

• Mandibular repositioning device: These appliances reposition your lower jaw to keep your airway open and free to breathe. This is the most common oral appliance that your dentist offers.
• Tongue retaining devices: For more complex cases, this device can hold your tongue in place to keep it from interfering with your breathing.

The best way to know which solution is right for you is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Dolfield. They will discuss your sleep apnea and examine your mouth before creating a custom-made oral appliance. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy better sleep for more enjoyable days.

Are you ready to increase productivity and get the rest you deserve? Call your dentist to get started on a better way to sleep.

About the Practice

Dr. Jacob Milner and Dr. R. Mark Horner are experienced dentists who combine their knowledge and training to offer a wide range of services, including sleep apnea therapy. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (410) 902-4110.