Sleep Apnea Interrupts Your Rest
When you have obstructive sleep apnea, this not only causes snoring and daytime exhaustion, but this also interrupts your sleep cycle. Over enough time, this could even impact your immune system or your cardiovascular system. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about the dangers of OSA, and how we can help with an oral appliance.
The Dangers of OSA
Sleep apnea means that each night you stop breathing for a few seconds as the collapse of soft tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth cut off airflow. This interrupts your sleep cycle and leaves you feeling exhausted the next day, even if you don’t recall ever waking up. For some, the brain will wake them hundreds of times in a single night, preventing them from getting the deep, interrupted REM sleep needed to feel alert and function the next day. While the disorder can impact people of all ages and genders, it is especially common in men 55 and older. Obesity is a common factor, as is excessive alcohol consumption, large neck circumference, deviated septum or sinus and allergy issues.
Diagnosing Your Smile
Warning signs could include snoring, waking up gasping for air or choking, dry mouth, irritability, headaches, daytime exhaustion, and trouble focusing at work or school. If you encounter these symptoms this could mean you need care. We will offer a thorough diagnosis using advanced digital imaging systems to identify the cause and assess the extent of the disorder. From there, we can decide on treatment options. For some, simple changes in daily routines could help, like resting on your side, going to bed and waking up at the same times, avoid caffeine or alcohol before bed, and keeping the bedroom dark, cool, and screen-free. But for others, an oral appliance may be the best option.
The Oral Appliance
The device will be crafted based on digital images and impressions we take of your smile, ensuring a good and comfortable fit. They will be worn as you sleep at night, moving your jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you breathe without interruption throughout the night. This helps you feel more rested and alert, and avoiding the symptoms of untreated OSA. If you have any questions about how we treat an issue like OSA, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Our OSA Treatment?
We would like to help people rest with ease and avoid the long-term complications of sleep apnea. If you have any questions about addressing chronic snoring and OSA, or if you would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.