If you believe you have sleep apnea, you may think a general physician or a doctor focusing on sleep disorders is your only option for treatment. You do not have to look any further than your general dentist to get help. Though your dentist chiefly focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong, this professional can fill a larger role. Treating this serious breathing problem is related to your oral health. Your dentist can suggest different treatments.
Sleep apnea is a breathing dysfunction where a person stops breathing while asleep. The breathing resumes, but sometimes not until a few minutes have elapsed. There are two main types of this disorder: obstructive and central. Obstructive is when something is inhibiting the breathing, usually excess tissue or the tongue blocking the airway. Central occurs when the brain and respiratory system do not communicate effectively.
An individual can know they have this condition if snoring is a nightly habit. People with sleep apnea may feel exhausted throughout the day. The person could also be irritable. The condition can cause a person not to think clearly or use poor judgment. Older people and those who struggle with weight problems tend to have the disease more often.
Patients who show the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea should tell their dentist right away. The dentist may take X-rays of the person’s mouth and throat to see whether there are any obstructions. The dentist will also talk to the patient and the patient’s partner and ask questions about how frequent the breathing problems occur. Next, the dentist may discuss different treatment options, and which might make the most sense to treat the illness.
CPAP machines can be an effective way of treating the condition. The dentist recommends different approaches. Instead, the dentist will fit the patient with one of a few different types of oral appliances. When obstructive sleep apnea is the cause, a mouthguard could correct the problem. When it fits properly, the device pushes the jaw forward, opening the airway so the patient can breathe well.
Another approach is to wear a tongue depressor. This could make sense when the patient has an abnormally large tongue or if it rolls up to the back of the throat while the patient sleeps. The patient should wear it each night. It is important to use it as the dentist directs.
The dentist will not prescribe a treatment and leave the patient alone. There will be frequent contact to make sure the devices are working effectively. In addition to having semiannual checkups and cleanings, the patient may go into the office every few months to make sure the appliance still fits. The dentist can then check that the patient is getting the most out of the appliance.
You never want to ignore the signs of sleep apnea. Sometimes, treating it can be as basic as wearing an oral appliance. If you think you need help breathing at night, call your dentist. Schedule a time to talk about different ways to combat this condition.
Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.
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