Sleep Apnea is a severe sleep disorder that affects a person's breathing, causing interruptions during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop repeatedly breathing during their sleep, which may cause the brain and rest of the body not to get enough oxygen. It is caused due to a physical blockage in the upper airway. When the airway closes, a person will stop breathing. Once the person starts breathing again, they may snort or awaken completely with a sensation of gasping, smothering, or choking. If untreated, sleep apnea may lead to complications such as heart diseases and depression.
The three main types of sleep apnea are:
The most symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include the following:
The options to treat sleep apnea will depend on the cause and severity of symptoms. The treatment's main aim will be to normalize breathing during sleep and address any underlying health problems. The first critical step to normalize breathing will be certain lifestyle modifications, which include the following:
The role of a dentist can be precious in treating sleep apnea. After receiving a diagnosis, a dental appointment can help people learn more about sleep apnea and the various options available in treating it. Dentists may recommend wearing oral appliances. These appliances can help ease symptoms in patients suffering from mild to moderate Apnea. This oral device used in oral appliance therapy looks and functions almost to that of a mouthguard. When a patient wears it during sleep, it helps the obstruction of the airway from occurring. This oral appliance, available at the dental clinic, is designed to hold the lower jaw forward during sleep. This repositioning of the jaw moves the tongue away from the back of the throat, reducing the potential for obstruction.
Only a dentist can fabricate, fit, adjust, monitor, and treat oral appliance therapy complications. This treatment is based on scientific evidence, and it is an excellent remedy to attempt before moving onto more complex breathing devices. Surgery should be kept as a last option. A dentist's consultation will be the right decision if you are suffering from any symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
Call Dentist Aurora CO at Briarwood Family Dentistry or schedule an online appointment to know more about Sleep Apnea.
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