If you experience symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, you may feel frustrated by your CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. These devices can be bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable. Fortunately, dental sleep medicine provides a viable alternative to CPAP for many patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
How Dental Sleep Medicine Works
Dental sleep medicine takes a different treatment approach than a traditional CPAP machine. Dental practitioners prescribe custom-made oral appliances that help to alleviate obstructive sleep apnea or snoring.
These appliances, frequently called mandibular advancement devices, keep the airway open by gently shifting the positions of the jaw and tongue. Holding the tongue and jaw in a comfortable position allows you to achieve restful sleep at home or on the go.
Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
While anyone, including children, can develop obstructive sleep apnea, these factors are often associated with the condition:
- Age over 40
- More common in males than in females
- Overweight or obesity
- Excess throat tissue
- Small jaw
- Larger than average tongue
- Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- These symptoms may vary by the individual:
- Repeated gasping and choking during sleep
- Frequent waking
- Loud snoring that wakes partners and family members
- Irritability and mood swings
- Morning exhaustion
- Intimacy issues
- Dry mouth
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
We rely on our medical colleagues to help us diagnose sleep apnea. You may need to complete a sleep study, either at home or in a lab. Ensuring we have an accurate diagnosis, whether it is obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, can promote better relief.
Take Sleep Apnea Seriously
Sleep apnea has far-reaching health consequences. Preventing severe chronic health issues should be a priority. If you are experiencing loud snoring or any symptoms mentioned here, ask your physician or dentist for an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sleep Medicine
What are the potential health risks of obstructive sleep apnea?
Some patients brush off sleep apnea and believe it is no more than loud snoring. However, this condition can lead to severe health problems if it goes untreated.
- Health issues with known associations to obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Exhaustion, which could lead to a higher rate of accidents
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
- Dry mouth causes gum disease and tooth decay
How does sleep apnea affect my moods?
If you are not getting enough sleep, it is understandable that you would feel grumpy and out of sorts. Moodiness may include depressive symptoms. You may find that when your sleep apnea receives proper treatment, you may feel better during your waking hours as well.
At Dental Associates, we take your oral and overall health seriously. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you and discuss your sleep-related needs. Please call our Farmington, CT, office today to schedule your consultation!