If you are currently living with sleep apnea, it's important to know that you are definitely not alone. Estimates show that approximately 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 live with the disorder and it's certainly not an ailment to ignore. Sleep apnea causes breathing to start and stop repeatedly while you are asleep and this can have some serious implications. While sleep apnea can usher in something as seemingly harmless as snoring, it can also be the underlying root behind daytime fatigue or liver problems. As you search for solutions that help you treat the problem, take a look at how your dentist may be able to help.
Oral Appliance Therapy Keeps The Airways Open
Sleep apnea occurs for many different reasons. Some people suffer from the illness due to health conditions, while others deal with it because their airways close when they lay down to sleep. Treating the latter form of apnea may be as simple as having your dentist create an oral appliance that keeps your airways open. Just doing something as easy as popping the appliance in your mouth before retiring for the night could provide the relief you've been searching for.
Getting oral appliance therapy is potentially a life-changing event. Your dentist can take a mold of your mouth and use it to design a custom-fitted appliance that wraps around your teeth so that your jaws and tongue remain in position. Using the appliance on a consistent basis could put a stop to your snoring and allow you to sleep more peacefully than you have in a very long time.
Dentists Look For Signs Of Sleep Apnea
When you go to the dentist for an examination, they may be one of the first individuals to make you aware of your condition. You might think the signs you are experiencing are completely normal and don't connect them with sleep apnea. However, a skilled dentist looks for things such as teeth that appear to be subject to grinding or ridges in your tongue that indicate disturbances. Knowing that you may have the disorder is an important step as you work to get it under control before it progresses.
Your dentist can do so much to assist you on your sleep apnea disorder journey. Make an appointment with a qualified dentist so you can discuss the issue and come up with a solid plan to treat it.