Researchers note that over 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, if it isn't controlled, can lead to other health issues, such as heart problems and high blood pressure. If you aren't sure what sleep apnea is or how an oral surgeon can help you control it, here is some information.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Normally when you sleep, you continue to breathe slowly and regularly throughout the evening. However, people with sleep apnea can awaken dozens of times each evening because they are not breathing. People with sleep apnea are exhausted and may fall asleep at times they should be awake. They also find it hard to concentrate on work or family, and they may suffer from headaches, loud snoring, and even dry mouth.
Dentists first began to think about sleep apnea because they were finding their patients with sleep apnea reported dry mouth and higher incidences of tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists noticed that many people with sleep apnea had jaw placement during sleep which made breathing more difficult.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Dentists can help with treatments for sleep apnea. First, you may want to try an oral appliance to combat sleep apnea. A dental practitioner makes a mold of your teeth and their position in your mouth during sleep. The appliance will help keep your airway open, which means you can breathe normally all through the night.
There are also new techniques for sleep apnea that involve an electrical impulse to prevent your airway from becoming obstructed during sleep. These techniques usually involve a device that stimulates your airway to remain open. No matter which technique you are thinking about, you will want to consult with a dentist to determine the best treatment for you.
Dental Blog | Optimum Oral Surgery Group At Optimum Oral Surgery Group, Dr. Donald G. Rebhun has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Read the dental blog posts here. Optimum Oral Surgery, 21 E Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057 | (856) 437-4432 | optimumoralsurgery.com | 6/6/2023 | Page Keywords: oral surgeon Moorestown Voorhees Mullica Hill |
Researchers note that over 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, if it isn't controlled, can lead to other health issues, such as heart problems and high blood pressure. If you aren't sure what sleep apnea is or how an oral surgeon can help you control it, here is some information.