Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impacts millions of people, and prevents them from obtaining a good night’s rest. In turn, this leads to negative impacts on overall quality of life. But our team can offer treatment for sleep apnea! At your Wheaton, IL dental practice, we can provide a comfortable and convenient solution to OSA and chronic snoring.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which sufferers stop breathing for brief periods as they sleep. This is due to the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the mouth and in the throat. As airflow is cut off, people stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes them, interrupting the sleep cycle even if they don’t remember this occurring. People then feel rested during the day. Causes could include a large neck circumference, sinus and allergy issues, deviated septum, obesity, and complications with the growth of the smile and oral structures. Warning signs include chronic snoring, headaches, dry mouth, irritability, and waking up struggling to breathe or gasping for air.
The Long-Term Risks
Without treatment, this could lead to frequent daytime exhaustion, impacting your social interactions and your work life. Over time, this also places strain on your immune system, so more frequent illness is a possibility. You could also experience strain on your cardiovascular system too, which means an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke and heart attack. When you experience the symptoms we’ve discussed, we urge you to see us for a diagnosis and the discuss treatment with oral appliance therapy.
Treatment with OAT
Oral appliance therapy offers a more comfortable and convenient treatment option than the CPAP machine. Our team will design and custom-fit the device based on detailed digital images we take of your bite, and the finished product will look and fit like a mouthguard. When in place, this moves the jaw and tongue forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you can breathe without interruption and enjoy a good night’s rest! You also help with positive changes to your sleep habits, such as resting on your side, keeping your bedroom dark and cool and maintaining a good sleep schedule. Try to avoid caffeinated products, excessive alcohol consumption, and large meals or exercise in the two hours before bed.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like sleep apnea, or if you’re ready for a consultation, then please reach out to our team today!
Speak With Your Wheaton, IL Dentist About Treating Poor Sleep
You can once again enjoy a good night’s rest and feel alert the next day! If you would like to find out more about treating snoring and sleep apnea, call Amber Dental in Wheaton, IL today at (630) 665-5555.