A lot of people may not realize that they have sleep apnea. Sure, snoring is a normal event that happens when someone sleeps, but not always.
For some people, these events can lead to their airway closing and to the stopping of their breathing, all while asleep and unaware that it is happening. Instead, they are jolted awake, or not even conscious that this is happening. Instead, they constantly feel tired and never rested. If this sounds like you, or you think it may be happening, the dentist is a good person to talk to.
People may not know, but a dentist can be a beneficial person to talk to about sleep apnea. Although at some point it will take having a sleep study done to test for sure that someone has sleep apnea, some of the treatment options are received from a dentist.
Two of the most common treatments aside from a CPAP machine would come from a person’s dentist. Either a mandibular advancement device (MADs) or a tongue retaining mouthpiece can both be great alternative therapies for sleep apnea. Both work in different ways, but even for someone having difficulty with snoring could benefit from using a tongue retainer.
The MADs are used to push the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway. These devices are similar looking to mouth guards worn during sports. However, they attach to the upper and lower teeth and project the lower jaw out to alleviate the closing of the airway causing the sleep apnea, shortness of breath or breathing to stop completely.
Although it is a relatively simple device, and one that does not require the cords and hoses of a CPAP machine, they are effective. Studies have recently found that with the majority of people there is no statistical difference in the effects on sleep apnea compared to using a CPAP machine.
This device rests on a person's lips and is used to suppress the tongue. It helps in stopping snoring which is great to avoid the airway from closing. Many times while snoring the muscles become tense and then relax which causes the airway to close. By having this device that eliminates snoring, there is much less of a chance that this will occur.
In the end, having a sleep study is vital to understanding if a person has sleep apnea or not. During these studies, the person’s sleep will be observed along with their brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels and if they are getting restful sleep.
If a person has the symptoms of sleep apnea it is typical that they do. However, completing a sleep study is vital to ensure that the correct treatment is chosen and used to help the issues.
If you think that you may have sleep apnea and are either scheduled or due to have a twice per year cleaning, then it would be great to talk to the dentist about. They can help in guiding you to make the best decisions to ensure you begin getting restful and healthy sleep. Contact us today and we can help!
Request an appointment here: https://ismiledentalcarenj.com or call iSmile Dental Care at (908) 768-3057 for an appointment in our Union office.
You might not think that you need a dentist for snoring, but the National Sleep Foundation states that about 30 to 50 percent of people in the U.S. snore throughout their lives. In most cases, this snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea and other health issues.The intensity and frequency of a patient's snoring is…
Some dental issues start early on, meaning your child might need a dental checkup at an early age. Even if the child is relatively young, there could be tooth decay or white spots. It means you should think about making your child’s dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more.If there are…
With all of the hype over electric toothbrushes, it must be time to find out what they are all about. Most electric toothbrushes are marketed at being more efficient, easier to use, and well, obviously fancier than the standard manual toothbrush! For years, the standard manual toothbrush was the only way that people could clean…
Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…
For individuals with crooked or misaligned teeth, a dental provider may recommend wearing braces as a corrective treatment. Patients may be able to choose between clear braces or metal braces, depending on the condition of the teeth and mouth. Though the overall goal of straightening the teeth is one reason many pursue braces, there are…
Tooth extraction may seem like a scary or daunting procedure. However, it is relatively safe and common, with a few potential complications. This guide will walk you through all the major steps to help put your mind at ease and make you more comfortable about any upcoming procedures.First, the dentist will administer an anesthetic. They…