When you have trouble sleeping at night, this could be due to a common disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Instead of using an uncomfortable CPAP machine, we can offer relief with a noninvasive snoring appliance. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about how we treat chronic snoring and sleep apnea.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
We snore when our air passages are partially blocked by soft tissues. Sleep apnea means that the same air passages are completely blocked so people actually stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain registers the drop in oxygen and wakes them up. Which is why chronic snoring is often a warning sign of sleep apnea! The disorder could be caused by a large neck circumference, sinus or allergy issues, sleeping on your back, excessive alcohol consumption, and complications with the growth and development of the soft tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth. Warning signs of the disorder often include nightly snores, headaches, dry mouth, trouble waking up, suddenly waking gasping for air or choking, irritability, and trouble focusing on tasks at work or school. If you encounter one or more of these symptoms, then please see us right away for a sleep apnea diagnosis.
Impacts on Your Overall Health
Your snoring and sleep issues could leave you feeling exhausted during the day, and could also prevent your significant other from resting as well. The stress on your immune system could leave you more vulnerable to illness. The disorder also stresses the cardiovascular system, so people are more susceptible to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke or heart attack. Which is why treatment is so crucial. You enjoy a better quality of life with good rest, and your immune system and heart health are stronger too.
Our Oral Appliance Treatment
Instead of a CPAP machine, our team will take detailed digital images of the smile from several angles, and then use them to design and craft an oral appliance. The device fits comfortably and is worn as you sleep at night. The device then shifts the jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you breathe without interruption and avoid snoring episodes. You then feel more rested and alert during the day! You can also help by resting on your side, maintaining a good sleep schedule daily, and avoiding excessive alcohol, vigorous exercise, or caffeinated products and large meals in the two hours before bed.
If you have any questions, then give us a call today.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Provides Solutions for OSA
When you have trouble resting at night, then you need treatment. Call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 for more information or to schedule your appointment.
