One of the most common dental problems that patients have when it comes to losing sleep or excessive snoring is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when the airways are blocked during sleep, resulting in choking, snoring, coughing, and general loss of sleep.
Your dentist may recommend an assistive device depending on the severity of your sleep apnea. Most cases are solved using a specific mouth guard that is adjusted to keep your jaw forward and keep your airways open as you sleep.
WHY SEE A DENTIST FOR SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea can be bad for your general health as sleep deprivation can affect many other aspects of your health. Sleep apnea is easiest to curb when tackled early, so it’s important to see a dentist if you think you are showing symptoms. Your dentist will have a solution ready for you based on your individual needs. It is very important to visit with your primary care doctor and have a sleep study done prior to getting treatment for sleep apnea.
Effects of sleep apnea:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Headaches
- Diabetes
- Worsens ADHD
- Snoring
DO YOU NEED TREATMENT FOR YOUR SLEEP APNEA?
If you have any questions about sleep apnea or how we treat it, don’t hesitate to call Northwoods Dentistry. We are here to help you regain your sleep and beat your snoring. Our team is happy to get you back on the path to a beautiful smile.