It's recommended that you see a dentist at least once a year. During a regular appointment, a dentist will clean your teeth and examine them for potential problems. In addition to assisting with these routine matters, your dentist can also be a fantastic resource for other issues, such as sleep apnea.
Despite the many benefits of a dental visit, some adults avoid the dentist. According to Dentistry Today, one in five American adults has not had a recent trip to the dentist. If you struggle with sleep apnea, learning more about how your dentist can help you tackle this health concern might encourage you to schedule an appointment. Read on to learn more.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when you either have an obstruction in your respiratory system or a brain malfunction that causes you to snore while asleep and to stop breathing periodically. Despite getting a whole night's sleep, you frequently wake up tired. People with sleep apnea tend to be overweight, have thick necks and narrow breathing passages, smoke, or use alcohol or drugs. The risks of sleep apnea include congestive heart failure, adult-onset diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea can shorten your life expectancy by 12 to 15 years.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Several treatments exist to deal with sleep apnea. They include lifestyle changes that reduce alcohol and drug use and diet and exercise to lose weight. In some cases, surgery can help to relieve the obstruction that leads to sleep apnea.
For some people with severe sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine can help to alleviate the symptoms. A CPAP machine is a mask you wear over your nose and mouth while sleeping. This device forces oxygen down the airway, thus providing air to your respiratory system to allow for sleep. However, the drawback of a CPAP device is that it's uncomfortable to wear. If you have been prescribed a CPAP device, it's important that you should use it every night. This can be inconvenient and cumbersome.
Your dentist is trained in treating sleep apnea and can offer a more comfortable alternative. They can prescribe an oral appliance that keeps your jaw slightly forward, which will create an open airway. By using this comfortable solution, you can achieve more restful sleep without a difficult machine.
If you have sleep apnea, seek out a dentist who can assist you in finding the rest you crave. You will enhance your quality of life and beat your fatigue. Our team at Schoen Family Dentistry would be happy to help provide the relief you need. Contact us today!