How a dentist can help with obstructive sleep apnea treatment
Do you or your sleeping partner experience loud snoring at night? Do you catch yourself or your partner waking up gasping for a breath? Do you find you wake up multiple times during the night to use the restroom? Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are unhappy with using a cumbersome CPAP machine? If you are looking to improve your daily quality of life after being diagnosed with OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) or are just trying to combat snoring, it may be time to talk to Dr. Tom Alexander about the benefits of a snoring mouthpiece or oral appliance therapy as a solution for obstructive sleep apnea.
What is obstructive sleep apnea, and how does it affect the body?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a sleep disorder characterized by periods of interrupted breathing while sleeping. That can occur because of a blockage in the airway, due either to the physical structure or excess tissue in the throat. It can also be impacted by behavior and lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption or poor weight management. As a result, people with obstructive sleep apnea often experience shallow breathing or stop breathing altogether while sleeping. In addition to various discomforts and health complications, this can also cause significant daytime fatigue and mood disturbances.
If I snore, is this a sign that I have obstructive sleep apnea?
Not all people who snore have sleep apnea, but all people who have sleep apnea snore. That said, those who frequently snore may be at an increased risk of developing the condition. This is because excess snoring can indicate that your airways are partially blocked during sleep, making it more difficult for your body to get enough oxygen. Additionally, people who have difficulty breathing at night are likely to wake up frequently and regularly feel tired throughout the day, which are symptoms commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Whether you snore or not depends on many factors, including your specific health conditions and sleeping habits. However, if you experience ongoing issues with snoring or interrupted breathing while sleeping, it may be worth talking to Dr. Tom Alexander to learn more about any potential risks you might face and determine if a snoring mouthpiece or oral appliance is right for you! Reach out to the team at Sterling Plaza Dentistry today. The office is located at 2 Osborn, Suite #140, and is open to new and current patients who call (949) 868-2224 for an appointment.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
