When you often feel exhausted during the day, or wake up multiple times a night, then you could suffer from chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), two serious issues that could be related. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists explain how we help you rest easy with a custom-made sleep apnea device, a comfortable alternative to the CPAP machine.
The Warning Signs of OSA
How do you know if you suffer from a disorder? Well, people with issues like snoring and OSA often report feeling tired during the day, even though they assume they rested well the night before. Waking up suddenly in the night gasping or choking for air is a warning sign, as well as dry mouth in the morning and headaches during the day. Moodiness and depression are common, along with trouble staying focused on tasks at work or school. If you begin to experience these warning sign, then please contact our team to schedule a diagnosis and consultation.
Causes and Dangers
These issues happen as the soft tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth become too relaxed as we sleep. Partial blockage due to the collapse of these tissues could means snoring, as air is forced through and vibrates soft tissues. OSA means the airways are completely blocked so you stop breathing barely until the brain wakes you to resume. You may not remember waking, but this interrupts to your sleep cycle and could leave your fleeing exhausted. Over time, the disorder impacts your quality of life, leaving you irritable, exhausted, and prone to more frequent illness as the immune system struggles. For others, the disorder could harm the cardiovascular system, the resulting strain leading to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Treatment with Special Appliances
Instead of relying on a loud and cumbersome CPAP machine, our team will instead take detailed digital impressions, images, and measurements of your smile. The information enables us to custom-fit an oral appliance, one that looks and fits like a mouthguard. The device is worn as you sleep. The appliance will reposition the jaw to move it forward and prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you breathe without interruption. During the day, you feel more rested and alert, and your immune system and cardiovascular system avoid unnecessary strain. If you have any questions about treating a disorder like this, or would like to schedule your next checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SLEEP DENTISTRY?
We know how to diagnose and treat issues like OSA or chronic snoring. Be sure to contact Potach and Mitchel Dental in Austin, MN, today at 507-437-6312. We want to make sure you enjoy a good night’s rest.
