How a Dentist Can Help with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA, obstructive sleep apnea, plagues a large portion of the population. Partially obstructed airways can interfere with your sleep and your health in a number of ways. Snoring, not getting restful sleep, keeping bed partners awake with snoring or gasping for air, sleep walking / sleep eating, and other problems can ensue. Not getting enough sleep can take a toll on every facet of your life.
It can make it dangerous to operate heavy machinery, can lead to listlessness and lethargy, can impact your libido, your weight, the list goes on. Sleep apnea, if left untreated, could shorten your life expectancy. Your body needs rest and you might not realize it but obstructive sleep apnea could be keeping you from getting that rest because you wake, either fully or partially, repeatedly throughout the night due to your airway being obstructed. Some sleep apnea sufferers wake dozens of times per night, often without realizing it. The signs of sleep apnea include complaints of snoring and gasping and / or feeling exhausted all the time.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea: Alternative to CPAP Machines
A sleep apnea dental appliance, specially designed by your Madison Family Dentist, can be a lot less uncomfortable than a CPAP machine, which is a noisy contraption that, while effective, is cumbersome with masks and elastics and tubes. The efficacy rate of a CPAP machine is high but unfortunately, the compliance rate of sleep apnea patients is low, because it’s tedious to use as well as uncomfortable.
Sleep apnea dental appliances are increasing in popularity, particularly for those with mild to moderate OSA. These night guards are designed to help those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea through keeping airways open while you sleep. This simple mouth piece is worn when you sleep, much like a night guard for TMJ treatment or to stop teeth grinding. The wearer will sleep easier and it typically stops snoring completely.
If you aren’t sure if you have sleep apnea, if you want to stop snoring, or are interested in learning more about how oral appliances from your Madison dentist can help you sleep better, book a consultation with our Madison Family Dental office.
Sleep Apnea: Oral Appliances from Your Madison Family Dentist Might Help
A better night’s sleep could be on the horizon with sleep apnea treatment from your Madison, TN family dentist.
At Madison Family Dental Dr. Raj and Dr. Law would be happy to help you learn more about how oral appliances could help you get a better night’s sleep.
