Poor rest means trouble staying alert during the day, and could lead to major problems with your overall health in the future. Often, sleep difficulties could be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which impacts millions of people in the USA. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists look at how we treat snoring and sleep apnea with custom oral appliances!
The Warning Signs of OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea means the soft tissues in the throat and the rear of your mouth become too relaxed as you sleep. They actually collapse and block airways, so you quit breathing for a brief time until the brain wakes you to resume. People with the disorder rarely remember waking up, but this can repeat hundreds of times each night. Your sleep cycle is interrupted and even though you may think you rested the night before, you’re actually sleep deprived and exhausted. Warning signs include daytime drowsiness, trouble staying awake behind the wheel, irritability, depression, and trouble focusing on tasks during the day. If you experience one or more of these warning signs, then contact our team today!
The Link to Snoring
Snoring is often a warning sign. We snore when our airways are partially obstructed. As air is forced through, this vibrates tissues and creates a loud sound. In addition to driving your significant other crazy, snoring also often points to the presence of a disorder that need a professional attention.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Often, we correct the problem with oral appliance therapy. Our team will take detailed images, impressions, and measurements of your smile, using the information to create a custom-made oral appliance. Worn as you sleep, the device will fit and look much like a simple mouthguard. However, the device actually moves the jaw forward to help prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you stop snoring and avoid the symptoms of OSA. You may also benefit from changes to your daily routine. For example, rest on your side, not your back, and go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. Avoid large meals, excessive amounts of alcohol, or caffeine in the two hours before bed. Keep your bedroom dark and cool, too. If you have any questions about identifying and treating sleep apnea, then contact our team today.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO PROVIDES SLEEP SOLUTIONS
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team understands that good rest is key to better quality of life. We want to help you feel rested and avoid issues with your immune system and cardiovascular health in the future. For more information on treating issues with snoring and airway obstruction, then contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.