Oral Appliance Therapy For Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Posted on 4/11/2022 by Northstar Dental
Apnea is a Greek word that means “without breath.” You can, therefore, refer to sleep apnea as sleeping without breath. It is a condition whereby a person stops breathing involuntarily during their sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but it is treatable. It is also more common than you may imagine. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, more than 22 million Americans suffer from this condition. If not treated, it can contribute to headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, and others.
Symptoms and Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea presents in three main forms. There is obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common one. This apnea occurs when your throat muscles relax while sleeping, causing blockage to the airway. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to signal the body to breathe. There is also complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea. Often, the condition affects anyone, including children, however, it happens to be more common in men compared to women. Risk factors are; being overweight and being over 40 years of age.
Common symptoms include gasping for breath while sleeping, loud snoring, insomnia or sleep deprivation, headaches in the morning, and excessive sleeping, particularly during the day. You may also experience irritability and shortened attention span. It is common for people with sleep apnea to wake up with a dry mouth.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a dentist may provide an oral appliance that you put in the mouth while sleeping. The dentist will examine your mouth and make an impression for the fabrication of the oral appliance. Although having symptoms of sleep apnea sounds frightening, there is hope for treatment. Schedule your appointment to meet our dental team for examination and treatment of your sleep apnea condition.
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Apnea is a Greek word that means “without breath.” You can, therefore, refer to sleep apnea as sleeping without breath. It is a condition whereby a person stops breathing involuntarily during their sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but it is treatable. It is also more common than you may imagine. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, more than 22 million Americans suffer from this condition. If not treated, it can contribute to headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, and others.