Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs Of OSA
Up to 18 million people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States, and without care this could lead to exhaustion and poor quality of life. We’re going to look at the common warning signs, and your Cleveland, TX, dentist will explain how we treat this disorder with a custom oral appliance.
The Common Warning Signs
How do you know if you have a sleep disorder that needs attention? If your significant other lets you know that you snore on a nightly basis, then you should give us a call. You could also wake in the night gasping for air or choking too. Warning signs in the waking hours include dry mouth, headaches, moodiness, and daytime exhaustion. Trouble waking up or nodding off during the day is a factor too. If one or more of these common warning signs occurs, then consider giving our team a call to schedule a diagnosis.
Causes and Dangers
The disorder could be caused by a large neck circumference, sinus issues, deviated septum or allergies, obesity, or excessive alcohol consumption. Resting on your back is a factor as well. The disorder essentially means that as you rest, the soft tissues in your neck and the rear of your mouth become too relaxed and collapse. This means you stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes you. While you may not remember waking up each time, this could happen several times a night and leave you exhausted the next day, as your sleep cycle is interrupted. Dangers include a weakened immune system, higher blood pressure, heart disease, and in some cases, stroke and heart attack.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
To bring relief, we may suggest treatment with an oral appliance. The device is custom-made for you, crafted based on images and impressions taken with digital images. Worn like a mouthguard as you rest, this helps move the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. This allows you to breath without interruption, so you feel more rested and alert, and prevents strain on your immune system, and cardiovascular system. If you have any questions about how we approach treating OSA, or if you’ve begun to experience symptoms we’ve discussed, then contact our team today. We would like to help you greet a new year feeling rested and healthy!
Do You Have Questions About Treating Sleep Apnea?
We want to make sure you’re able to sleep easily again. If you would like to learn more about treating a serious sleep disorder with a custom oral appliance, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.