How Does a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Do you struggle with fatigue, brain fog, and loud snoring? You could have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type, happens when the muscles in your upper airway relax too much during sleep. This blocks the flow of air and interrupts your breathing!
Can Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea?
CPAP machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea. For patients that find a CPAP machine to be bulky, uncomfortable, and/or inconvenient, an oral appliance could be the right choice! At Westgate Family Dental, we’ll first perform an exam and review your medical history. Next, we’ll take an impression of your teeth, which we use to create a custom, non-invasive appliance that supports the jaw in a forward position. This helps keep the upper airway open!
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea may not seem like a big deal, it is! Having your breathing and sleep cycle constantly interrupted negatively affects your health. Research shows associations between sleep apnea and problems like depression, dementia, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
One of the most common sleep apnea symptoms – loud snoring – is often noticed by a partner. If you’re also experiencing frequent fatigue, irritability, headaches, night sweats, and/or a dry mouth, sleep apnea could be the cause.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be associated with a variety of factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, genetics, excess weight, and hormone conditions.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in South Austin, TX
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to try a custom oral appliance, we can help! Oral appliances can be a great alternative to CPAP machines if you want a quieter, more comfortable sleep experience. Contact us today if you’re ready to schedule a consultation.
