How We Can Help with Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
Posted on 11/1/2024 by Surprise Oral & Implant Surgery |
 Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax during sleep, blocking your airway and causing you to stop breathing for short periods of time. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including loud snoring, daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.
If you think you might have sleep apnea, it's important to see a doctor to get diagnosed. There are a number of different ways to diagnose sleep apnea, including a sleep study. This involves staying overnight in a sleep lab and having your sleep monitored.
Once you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are a number of different treatment options available. One common treatment option is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that pumps air into your airways, keeping them open and preventing you from stopping breathing.
While CPAP is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, it can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear. Some people find that they can't tolerate CPAP, or that it doesn't effectively treat their sleep apnea. In these cases, other treatment options may be available.
One option is oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are custom-made mouthpieces that are worn while you sleep. They work by repositioning your jaw and tongue, opening up your airway and preventing you from stopping breathing. Oral appliances are often more comfortable than CPAP and may be a good option for people who can't tolerate CPAP.
Another option is surgery. There are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to treat sleep apnea. These procedures typically involve removing or repositioning tissue in the back of the throat. Surgery is usually considered a last resort, but it may be an option for people who haven't been able to find relief from other treatments.
If you're concerned about sleep apnea, the best thing to do is to see a doctor. They can help you determine if you have sleep apnea and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Oral Care and Sleep Apnea
In addition to seeking medical treatment, there are a few things you can do at home to help improve your sleep apnea symptoms. These include:
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Losing weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help improve your sleep apnea. |
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Quitting smoking: Smoking can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. |
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Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in your throat, making sleep apnea worse. |
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Sleeping on your side: Sleeping on your back can make sleep apnea worse. |
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Using a humidifier: A humidifier can help to keep the air in your bedroom moist, which can make it easier to breathe. |
Restoration Dentistry and Sleep Apnea
In some cases, sleep apnea can be caused by problems with your teeth or jaw. If you have missing teeth, misaligned teeth, or a misaligned jaw, these problems can contribute to sleep apnea by blocking your airway. If you think your dental health may be contributing to your sleep apnea, talk to your dentist. They may be able to recommend treatments, such as dental implants or braces, that can help to improve your sleep apnea symptoms.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but it can be treated effectively. If you think you might have sleep apnea, see a doctor to get diagnosed. There are a number of different treatment options available, and your doctor can help you choose the best option for you. By following the tips above, you can also help to improve your sleep apnea symptoms and get a better night's sleep.
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