How Your Dentist Can Treat Sleep Apnea

When you feel tired everyday, you should consider whether you are suffering from sleep apnea. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you might be unhappy with your CPAP treatment. Fortunately, there are dental treatments that can be less invasive and more comfortable. Fortunately, oral appliances can be used to treat patients suffering from mild or moderate sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can be caused by repetitive airway obstruction. This can result in nasal obstruction, excessive tissue in the throat, enlarged tonsils or a floppy tongue. These problems can lead to a disruption of your sleep because you will not be able to enter and stay in a deep sleep. This can lead to you feeling fatigue throughout the day even after sleeping all night.

The Dental Appliance

A dental appliance designed to treat sleep apnea looks and functions like a mouth guard. It is designed to reposition your jaw and tongue to improve your breathing. In addition to treating sleep apnea, it can also reduce snoring. The device requires a prescription and is custom-made to fit your mouth. The one-size-fits-all mouth guards are only designed to treat snoring.

Why Dental Appliances Are Often Superior

The appliances are considered preferable to the CPAP face mask in some cases because they are smaller, quieter and more comfortable. The CPAP device blows pressurized air, which can create a noise that can cause some patients to struggle to sleep. The dental appliances are also easier to maintain. They can be cleaned using a denture cleaner. Your dentist will provide you with a carrying case. Simply add a tablet of denture cleaner and water to create a solution that the appliance can then be soaked in.

When The Appliance Is Uncomfortable

If you notice a problem with the appliance, contact your dentist. The device might be defective. Even if it isn't, the appliance can usually be adjusted to make it more comfortable. Make sure that you only have your appliance fitted by a trained and qualified personnel.

Other Treatments Besides A Mouthguard

In addition to using an appliance, your dentist can act as a coach to help reduce the degree to which your sleep habits obstruct your airway. This can include losing weight, changing your sleep position, and quitting smoking. But if you already do these things, it may be necessary that you use an appropriate device. If you do not prefer the dental device or cannot use it due to medical complications, there may be other treatments available.

For more information, speak to your family dentist or do an online search. 


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