Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impacts up to 18 million people in the United States, and can lead to serious oral health issues and problems with your heart health and immune system. In order to avoid problems with your ability to sleep and to help you feel more alert during the day, we may suggest treatment. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about treating sleep apnea in our community.
The Causes of OSA
With sleep apnea, the soft tissues in the rear of your mouth and in your throat become too relaxed as you sleep. As a result, they collapse and cut off airflow completely. You stop breathing for a brief moment until the brain wakes you. While few people remember this happening, for some this could happen hundreds of times each night. Possible causes vary, but have been linked to obesity, neck circumference, sinus and allergy issues, deviated septum, excessive alcohol consumption, and issues with the oral structures within the mouth.
Warning Signs and Possible Complications
People with the disorder often suffer from chronic snoring, headaches, dry mouth, daytime exhaustion, and may wake in the night struggling to breathe or choking. In the day, moodiness and difficulty concentrating is also reported. Unless treated, the disorder could grow worse with time and may strain the immune system, leading to more frequent illness. In addition, the disorder could eventually begin to strain your cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even depression. By treating the issue, you enjoy a better quality of life and feel more rested during the day. You also avoid complications for your immune system and heart health!
Oral Appliance Therapy
How do we treat such a severe issue? Well, we may start by taking detailed impressions and measurements of your smile, including oral structures and tissues, and use the information to design and create an oral appliance that fits like a mouthguard. Worn as you sleep, the device actually helps reposition your jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, moving it forward slightly. You then sleep without frequent interruptions, feeling more rest and avoiding uncomfortable symptoms during the day. We also suggest changes to your daily routine, such as maintaining a sleep schedule, avoiding large meals, strenuous activity, or excessive amounts of alcohol before bed, and resting on your side instead of your back. If you have any questions by addressing OSA, then please contact our team today.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO PROVIDES TREATMENT FOR OSA
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team wants to help you enjoy a better night’s rest with a custom oral appliance. If you have questions about sleep health, then you can contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.