We all value a good night’s sleep, but not everyone experiences restful nights. Nighttime should be that golden opportunity to recharge, dream, and drift away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. But for many, this seemingly simple joy is disrupted by a condition called sleep apnea. If you find yourself waking up feeling like you haven’t slept at all, or if your loved ones complain about your loud, constant snoring, you may suffer from sleep apnea. But how does a dentist help you sleep? At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer innovative tools to help you breathe easy!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. During these episodes, the upper airway is partially or completely blocked, and you stop breathing for short moments.
Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that keeps getting pinched. That’s similar to what’s happening in your throat throughout the night. When your throat muscles relax too much, they block your airway. This leads to a drop in oxygen levels in your blood, causing your brain to respond by sending signals that jolt you awake, often with the sensation of gasping for air or choking. This little drama can play out dozens, even hundreds of times every night! You might not even realize how often it’s happening, but these constant interruptions usually leave you feeling exhausted the next day.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. If you live with someone who you hear snoring from another room, encourage them to contact the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry for a consultation! While snoring might be the most obvious sign of sleep apnea, it’s those silent moments—when breathing stops—that are the real concern.
Other symptoms may include:
- Waking up suddenly with a gasping or choking sensation
- Constant sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Irritability throughout the day
- Waking up with headaches
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked by the soft tissue at the back of the throat closes during sleep. This condition is the most common kind of sleep apnea. It occurs in about 25% of men and 10% of women and can affect people of all ages, even babies. However, it is more common in people over 40 and those who are overweight.
Other less obvious physical traits that are common among those who suffer from sleep apnea are:
- Large neck
- Deviated septum
- Low-hanging soft palate
- Enlarged tonsils
Choosing the Right Treatment
Several options are available for sleep apnea treatment, including different machines and mouthpieces. No matter which solution is right for you, the goal is the same: to keep your airway open and ensure uninterrupted, quality sleep.
Many with moderate to severe sleep apnea try a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (CPAP). This machine includes a mask that constantly pumps pressurized air into your nose or mouth (or both). The mask effectively keeps your airways open, but many find it uncomfortable to wear. People who have claustrophobia often can’t tolerate a CPAP machine and require an alternative. Fortunately, we offer two effective options at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry!
A dental approach to sleep apnea treatment uses custom-fit mouthpieces to keep the airway open and unobstructed during sleep. One oral appliance is a mandibular advancement device (MAD). The mouthpiece gently pulls your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open. Another option we offer is a tongue-retaining device that holds the tongue in place so it doesn’t cause an obstruction. Both of these treatments are effective alternatives to CPAP that make a big difference in the lives of people living with sleep apnea.
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you find the best solution tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced team will perform a thorough professional evaluation to ensure you receive the most reliable and effective treatment. By working closely with you, we can create a plan that delivers results you can trust and a smile you’ll love.
Ready for a Restful Night?
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we do more than fix teeth. We’re here to improve our patients’ lives through comprehensive dental care. Our team is dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges of sleep apnea. If you think you may benefit from an oral sleep device, we can help!
We invite you to contact us to schedule a free consultation. Let’s sit down together and explore how we can help you rediscover the joy of restful sleep!
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