Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which we stop breathing multiple times a night and suffer from chronic snoring, leaving people feeling exhausted and even causing long-term health concerns. But that doesn’t mean treating it requires the use of a CPAP machine! Instead, your Katy, TX, dentist can offer snoring appliances to treat sleep apnea and help you rest without interruptions to your sleep cycle!
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring occurs when airflow is partially obstructed by soft tissues, so when we breathe, we force air through and the vibrations of the soft tissues creates a loud sound. With sleep apnea, the same tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth cut off airflow completely, so we stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes us. While many don’t remember this happening, it can interrupt your sleep cycle hundreds of times in a single night. You assume you slept well, but in fact you’re exhausted and sleep deprived. If you suffer from chronic snoring, let us know. Other warning signs include waking suddenly in the night choking or gasping for air, dry mouth, headaches, irritability, trouble concentrating, and daytime drowsiness are all common signs of trouble.
The Long-Term Impacts
Over time, exhaustion from poor sleep could impact your work life and your relationships. The strain on your immune system could also leave you more vulnerable to illness. For others, lack of treatment could actually strain the cardiovascular system too. You become more at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke and heart attack. Don’t ignore the symptoms we discussed above, let us know right away so we can conduct a diagnosis and decide what course of treatment you need. For most people, we can offer a good night’s rest with a noninvasive and comfortable oral appliance.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
The device will look similar to a mouthguard and is worn as you rest. But the device is custom-made and fitted based on detailed digital images we take of your bite. When worn, this shifts the jaw and tongue forward to keep airways open and free of obstruction during the night. You sleep without interruption and feel more rested and alert during the day. You can also help by resting on your side instead of your back, keeping your bedroom dark and cool, avoiding screens for the 45 minutes before bed, and also maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Provides Treatment for Sleep Disorders
We would like to help you rest easier with a comfortable and convenient oral appliance. For more information on our treatment for OSA, then call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule a visit.
