Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder, and many people may not even realize they have it. Sleep apnea is marked by countless pauses in your breathing during the night and these are so dangerous that they can cause some major health problems such as high blood pressure, and heart disease. A dentist in Glen Carbon can be key to treating sleep apnea with dental appliances even though medical professionals may often advise CPAP machines for this condition.
Sleep Apnea
Excessive relaxation of the muscles in the back of the throat during sleep causes a momentary obstruction of the airway, which is known as sleep apnea. A person may cease breathing for a few seconds as a result of this, and they frequently wake up briefly to start breathing again. The frequency of these disruptions can reach hundreds or even thousands per night, seriously impairing the quality of one’s sleep.
The main types of sleep apnea are:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most frequent sort, which occurs when the soft tissues at the back of your throat loosen up through rest and obstruct a piece or all of your respiratory airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, where the brain does not send signals to your muscles that control breathing.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most frequent signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows;
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping for air
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia (difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep)
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Difficulty concentrating
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, then it may be time to see your doctor for further testing and diagnosis. Keep in mind, though, that dentists are now playing an ever-more important role in the sleep apnea treatment team with those patients who suffer from mild to moderate cases also being pushed their way.
The Importance of a Qualified Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment
When it comes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dentists are in a unique position to help manage the condition. They can create custom oral appliances that fit in the mouth and help to keep airways open during sleep. These devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to ensure that it prevents blockage of your airway.
Your Glen Carbon dentist may suggest any of the following forms:
1. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These are the most common sleep apnea dental appliance. MADs are designed to look like a mouth guard and operate by slightly moving the lower jaw forward for the airway to remain unimpeded while sleeping.
2. Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs): These types of devices work by keeping the tongue in a forward position, so it will not fall back and block your upper airway.
3. Combination Appliances: Certain devices serve as hybrids of MADs and TRDs to provide a more complete regimen for those suffering from sleep apnea.
Advantages of Dental Appliances
Dental appliances have several benefits in the treatment of sleep apnea over more traditional treatments such as CPAP machines.
- Comfort: Dental appliances are more comfortable and much less invasive than CPAP machines, which can be difficult to use for some patients.
- Portability: Dental appliances are easy to wear and take with you, which is great for travel or use in different sleeping environments.
- Compliance: They are more convenient to use and less intrusive than a CPAP machine, making patients more likely to continue their treatment using the dental appliance.
If you have sleep apnea in Glen Carbon, your dentist could discover the ideal option that relieves both conditions and brings relief.
