Are you getting good quality sleep every night? Sleep is important for overall health and well-being. But many people don’t get the restful sleep they need due to a common condition called sleep apnea. If you snore at night and feel tired during the day, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Learn more about sleep apnea, including how to recognize the signs and about your treatment options.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when you stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep. It is caused by your tongue and the soft tissues of your mouth sliding back to block your airway. You may stop breathing for seconds or even minutes at a time, then wake up enough to change positions and resume breathing. Sleep apnea may interrupt your sleep cycle as much as 30 times an hour during the night, preventing you from achieving a deep, quality sleep.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Waking up gasping for breath
- Feeling sleepy during the day
- Lacking energy throughout the day
- Falling asleep easily when sitting
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Difficulty focusing
- Dry mouth and/or sore throat upon waking
- Insomnia
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is typically treated in one of two ways:
- CPAP Machine. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine consists of a mask you wear over your nose and mouth that is attached to a device that delivers a constant flow of air, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
- Oral Appliance. An oral appliance can be worn at night to hold your jaw in a forward position to prevent your tongue from sliding back to block your airway. The appliance is custom made to fit your teeth.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy For Sleep Apnea
There are many benefits to choosing an oral appliance for sleep apnea treatment, including:
- Comfortable. Many patients find it more comfortable to wear an oral appliance in their mouth than a mask over their face.
- Compact. An oral appliance is compact and easy to travel with, especially when flying.
- Quiet. Oral appliance therapy does not make any sound, unlike a CPAP machine that can be noisy.
- Affordable. Avoid the expense of going to a sleep specialist and undergoing a sleep study by seeking treatment from your dentist.
- Won’t leave marks on your face. The mask and strap of a CPAP machine will often leave indentations in your facial tissues that may take a while to go away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Dentistry
Will an oral appliance shift my teeth?
An oral appliance that is custom made to fit your teeth will not cause shifting. It is poorly fitting over the counter appliances that may cause orthodontic issues.
How does a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
Your dentist will discuss your symptoms with you and evaluate your teeth and mouth to diagnose sleep apnea. In most cases it is not necessary to undergo a sleep study for an official diagnosis.
Take Steps to Improve Your Sleep Today
If you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact Meadows Dental Associates of Sarasota. We would be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss your symptoms and design a plan for treatment that will help you feel more rested and rejuvenated.