Treating issues like chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) helps ensure you feel alert during the day, enjoy better quality of life, and also safeguard your immune system and heart health. But how do you know if you need treatment, and when should you see your Greenville, TX, dentist for treatment? In today’s blog, we’re looking at the warning signs of OSA!
The Causes of Your Disorder
What is OSA exactly? Simply put, the disorder is one that regularly interrupts your REM sleep cycle, so you become sleep deprived over time. This happens due to soft tissues in the rear of your mouth and in your throat becoming too relaxed and then collapsing as you rest. Airflow is cut off completely, and you may even wake occasionally gasping or choking. Over time, the chronic rest issues could strain both your immune and cardiovascular system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness and issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Warning signs vary, but often include chronic snoring. You could also wake up struggling to breathe, and experience dry mouth in the morning and headaches throughout the day. Daytime drowsiness is common too, as is moodiness and troubles staying focused on tasks. Over time, this impacts your daily life and your quality of life, as you become more exhausted. Depression could develop as well.
What We Look For
When you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, then let us know. We will ask a series of questions as part of an assessment to see if you need more thorough diagnoses. If so, the we will send you home with the pulse oximeter device, a small device that sits at your bedside and records other symptoms, such as blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and cessation of breathing. From there, will decide if you need a physician-ordered lab test or an oral appliance!
Possible Solutions
An oral appliance means an alternative to the loud CPAP machine, one that is also more comfortable and helps you rest easier. Worn like a mouthguard, the device helps reposition your jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissue sand help you breathe with ease. You then avoid worsening symptoms and feel more rested and alert during waking hours. If you have any questions about how we address issues like OSA with an oral appliance, or about the diagnostic process, then contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Is Here to Help
At Smith Family Dentistry, we’re ready to help you address the symptoms of poor sleep. To learn more about treating the factors behind your poor rest, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.