Are you struggling with sleep apnea symptoms? Your dentist in Huber Heights can help. Dentists are trained to recognize problems with the mouth and throat, like the kind that cause most cases of sleep apnea. Sleep-trained dentists can also help to create a customized oral appliance to keep your airways open while you doze. You’ll soon be enjoying better rest.
What a Dentist Can Do for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is caused by tissues in the mouth or throat constricting during rest. The sufferer is unable to breathe freely, forcing him or her to wake throughout the night.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Here’s how your dentist can help:
- By spotting the warning signs of sleep apnea. Dentists are trained to recognize risk factors for sleep apnea, including loose or excess tissue in the throat or soft palate.
- By referring you to a sleep center for a formal study. This is the standard technique for diagnosing sleep apnea.
- By helping to create a customized anti-apnea oral appliance. Many sleep dentists work with the company that makes SomnoDent® products, one of the leading names in the field of sleep medicine.
- By offering tips for achieving better rest. Sometimes all that’s needed to treat apnea symptoms is to adopt a different sleep position, lose a little weight, or avoid nighttime snacking.
Why You May Want to Consider an Oral Appliance Instead of a CPAP Mask for Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The key to treating sleep apnea is keeping the patient’s airway open during rest. In the United States, this is most commonly achieved by using a CPAP mask. However, CPAP devices are not the best solution for everyone. Many people find them cumbersome, difficult to use, and uncomfortable in general.
A custom-made anti-apnea oral appliance is an alternative form of treatment that’s gaining widespread acceptance. These products gently realign the tongue and lower jaw, removing obstructive problems and letting you finally get the deep, refreshing rest you need. Here’s how they work:
- A trained sleep dentist creates an impression of your bite and sends this information to the dental lab that creates the actual appliance.
- Once it arrives, you’ll return to your dentist’s office to have the product fitted. After that, you can begin using it every night.
- Your dentist will probably schedule follow-up appointment a few weeks later, to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that the appliance is working for you.
This Tax Refund Season, Why Not Invest in Better Sleep?
Millions of Americans will soon receive a tax refund. If you’re one of these lucky people, then why not use those funds to invest in sleep apnea in Huber Heights treatment? After all, we spend one third of our lives asleep. It only makes sense to get the most benefit possible from your resting hours. Make an appointment to see a dental professional soon about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. You’ll soon be on your way to sweeter dreams and happier days.
About the Author
Dayton area native Dr. James Striebel is a trained sleep dentist and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 20 years. You can reach his office online or by calling (937) 235-2400.