According to multiple studies, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impacts millions of the people in the United States, and is linked to not only exhaustion and poor rest, but serious health issues as well. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist will look at common warning signs, and when you should contact our team for treatment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This disorder means that as you sleep, the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and in your throat actually collapse and cut off air flow. Sufferers actually stop breathing briefly until the brain wakes them. While most people don’t remember waking, this interrupts the sleep cycle and could happen hundreds of times each night. People assume they slept well, but continuously feel more exhausted and tired as the disorder continues unabated. Causes include neck circumference, sinus and allergy issues, deviated septum, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and age and gender (men 55 and older are higher risk). However, this disorder could also impact teens and people of all genders.
Warning Signs and Long-Term Complications
People with OSA may report snoring, trouble waking up, sore throat and dry mouth, headaches, irritability, and trouble focusing on tasks at work or school. Daytime exhaustion is often report as well, with the symptoms growing worse with time. Eventually, OSA could strain your immune system, so you become more vulnerable to illness. For others, this could cause problems for cardiovascular health, boosting the risk of issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. To enjoy optimal quality of life, you need to address OSA if you experience one or more of these symptoms, and we can help!
Starting the Treatment Process
You can start by filling out a questionnaire on our website, and we will also conduct a home sleep study to assess your risk. From there, we will choose the optimal treatment option. We often opt for an oral appliance, a type of oral split that looks and fits like a mouthguard. The device is worn as you sleep, and gently repositions the jaw to help prevent the collapse of soft tissues as you rest. You then breathe without interruption, feeling more rested and alert during the day. This is a comfortable solution, as the device is custom-made specifically for your smile. If you have any questions about treating OSA and snoring, then contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Offers Sleep Apnea Solutions
At Smith Family Dentistry, our team understands the health risks and negative impacts on quality of life that can be caused by sleep apnea, so we want to help with comfortable and custom-made solutions. Learn more about treating sleep apnea at Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.