Do the people around you tell you that you snore? Do you wake up every morning feeling tired, no matter how much you sleep? Both of these situations are common signs of sleep apnea. While snoring might not seem like a big problem, other than annoying people near you, it can indicate this more serious health issue.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that can impact your quality of life—it’s also quite dangerous. At Beckstead Dental Group, we offer custom-made oral sleep appliances to treat snoring and sleep apnea concerns.
Discover more about sleep apnea and the benefits of finding a treatment or call us today to set up an appointment!
What Are Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep condition that involves not being able to breathe periodically throughout the night. These periods of breathlessness cause the brain to pull the body out of deep sleep multiple times. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause you to start and start breathing hundreds of times during the night, which can contribute to issues like hypertension, stroke, and more.
Understanding the symptoms of sleep apnea can help you find treatment quickly. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue in the day
- Snoring
- Waking up suddenly and choking
- Night sweats
- Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up
If you have any of these signs, it’s a good idea to seek diagnosis from a healthcare professional. At the very least, you’ll want to rule out sleep apnea.
The Impact of Untreated Sleep Apnea on Health
Untreated sleep apnea not only disrupts sleep patterns but also has significant short and long-term effects on both oral and overall health. In the short term, sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches, dry mouth, and severe daytime fatigue, which can affect mood, productivity, and even personal safety. Chronic sleep deprivation may make managing stress more difficult and can exacerbate memory lapses and concentration problems.
Over the long term, the implications become even more severe. Sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of several serious health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Furthermore, the strain it puts on the cardiovascular system can be profound. From an oral health perspective, the frequent dry mouth associated with sleep apnea increases the risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease, further compromising Palo Alto oral health. Treating sleep apnea with an appropriate oral sleep appliance can mitigate these risks, improving both quality of life and health.
What Are Oral Sleep Appliances?
You may have heard about continuous positive airway pressure devices—aka CPAP machines. These machines involve wearing a mask that blows air into the tube to help the patient breathe during the night. While CPAP machines are a good treatment option for sleep apnea, many people find them uncomfortable, so we offer an alternative treatment—oral sleep appliances.
If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral sleep appliance can help you breathe and sleep better. These devices keep your tongue from blocking your throat while you sleep, leading to unrestricted airways.
At Beckstead Dental Group, we create custom-fitted oral sleep appliances. These look and work similarly to mouthguards. With an oral sleep appliance, you can get better sleep and prevent the negative health impacts of sleep apnea.
Custom Oral Sleep Appliance Fabrication
At our clinic, creating a custom oral sleep appliance begins with a thorough assessment of your specific condition. Using detailed impressions of your teeth and mouth, we craft an appliance that is tailored to fit comfortably and effectively. This appliance works by slightly adjusting the position of your jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, which helps to prevent the interruptions in breathing that characterize sleep apnea.
Each oral sleep appliance is made using durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand nightly use while providing maximum comfort. The process involves careful consideration of your jaw alignment and bite to ensure that the appliance not only alleviates the symptoms of sleep apnea but also fits seamlessly into your life without causing discomfort or inconvenience. With the right oral sleep appliance, patients can enjoy a return to restful nights and healthier days, safeguarding both Palo Alto oral health and overall wellness.
Get a Restful Night’s Sleep!
Without a good night’s sleep, you may struggle to do all the things you need and love to do. Sleep apnea can ruin your sleep and also put you at risk of more serious health problems including fatal ones.
So, if you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek treatment options. The dental staff at Beckstead Dental Group is here to help with sleep apnea.
Call today to set up an appointment in Palo Alto or to learn more about oral sleep appliance options!