How Dentistry Can Improve Sleep Apnea

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only does your partner likely complain about your snoring, but you also may feel exhausted during the day, and never really feel rested no matter how long you sleep. Additionally, you may also be at risk for other health problems if left untreated.

Did you know that dentistry can help improve sleep apnea? In this blog post, we will discuss how our Reno dental office can treat this condition and help you get the restful sleep you need!

What is sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked during sleep. This can cause you to snore loudly or even stop breathing for short periods of time. As a result, you may wake up frequently throughout the night and never really get a good night’s rest. Over time, this can lead to daytime fatigue and other health problems.

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more common type. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and collapse, blocking your airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. For today, we will be discussing Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

In adults, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is excess weight and obesity, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, this soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked. The clocked airway causes snoring, difficulty breathing, and even pauses in breath. Because your body is struggling to breath or waking up startled and out of breath, people suffering sleep apnea often do not get a restful night sleep and can feel exhausted the following day.

How can I improve sleep apnea?

The first step to improving sleep apnea is consulting your doctor. Your doctor and dentist can work together to find the best solution for you.

For milder cases of obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes like:

• Lose weight if you’re overweight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Don’t drink in the hours before bedtime.
• Quit smoking.
• Use a nasal decongestant or allergy medications.
• Don’t sleep on your back.
• Avoid taking sedative medications such as anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills.

If these measures don’t improve your sleep or if your apnea is moderate to severe, then your doctor may recommend other treatments. This is where dentistry can come in to help.

Dentistry can help improve both types of sleep apnea, but it is most effective for treating OSA. There are several different dental appliances or mouthpieces that can be used to treat OSA. These devices work by keeping your airway open while you sleep. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and are usually very comfortable to wear.

Does a mouthpiece really work?

The most common solution for sleep apnea in addition to lifestyle changes is being fitted for a mouthpiece or oral appliance. This device will help keep your airway open while you sleep and prevent snoring or pauses in breathing.

Mouthpieces are an option for people with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They also can be a good option for people with severe sleep apnea who can’t use CPAP. The main goal of using a mouthpiece is to reduce your sleepiness and improve your quality of life.

Many people find them to be a highly effective option because they are designed to keep your throat open, combatting the effects of OSA. There are several options for mouthpieces, with some devices used to keep your airway open by bringing your lower jaw forward, while others hold your tongue in a different position. The best choice for you will depend on what is causing your sleep apnea.

If you are ready to get a good night’s sleep, Silvaroli Dental can help. We’ll work with your doctor to ensure that the treatment plan fits your specific needs. Rest assured knowing that we are experienced in working with patients who need dental sleep medicine appliances, and will walk you through the entire process, from the fitting to follow-up therapy. Our goal is to help you receive a successful treatment so you can get a restful night’s sleep. To get started, contact our Reno dentist office by calling us at (775) 453-2522 or sending us a message via our contact form.