Millions of people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, the primary ones being chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But how do you know if you are, and when should you see the dentist for a sleep solution? In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist looks at how to identify possible signs of trouble.
Warning Signs
Be aware of any changes to your daily life. For example, since these disorders interrupt your sleep cycle, even if you have no memory of waking up in the night, you could often feel tired and exhausted throughout the day. Your exhaustion also means increased risk of moodiness or depression, or even trouble staying focused on tasks at work or school. People also report dry mouth when waking up, occasionally waking up choking or struggling to breathe, or headaches and migraines during the day. If you begin to experience one or more of these symptoms, then let us know right away!
Chronic Snoring
A major warning sign is often loud, nightly snoring. This indicates airway obstruction, which is also a factor in sleep apnea. In addition to annoying your significant other, this could be costing you the rest you need to feel alert, and as we will discuss, could impact your own health.
Long-Term Impacts
Did you know that sleep disorders that prevent rest could lead to issues with your immune system? This leaves you more vulnerable to illness on a more frequent basis, which in turn causes issues for your work life and quality of life. For others, over time the disorder could mean strained cardiovascular system. As a result, you could be more at risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Possible Solutions
If you experience one or more of the symptoms we have touched on, let us know! We will perform an assessment to look at risk factors and symptoms, and then perform an at-home sleep test with the pulse oximeter device. Treatment could then only require an oral appliance instead of a CPAP machine. The appliance fits like a mouthguard, and helps reposition the jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissues so you breathe without interruption all night. If you have any questions about diagnosing and addressing sleep disorders, then contact our team today. We would love to see you and help you enjoy a better night’s rest!
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Wants You to Rest with Ease
At Smith Family Dentistry, our team is ready to tackle your disorder and help you feel more alert with a good night’s rest. To learn more about starting treatment and possible options, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.