Sleep apnea is a widespread disorder, one that leaves you struggling with drowsiness and even strains your heart health! But our team can help with a custom oral appliance. In today’s blog, you team at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry talk about how we diagnose and treat sleep apnea for our Houston, TX, patients!
The Common Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
How do you know if you potentially have an issue like sleep apnea? With this disorder, while you rest soft tissues in the back of the mouth and in your throat become too relaxed and then collapse, which cuts off airflow. The brain wakes you to resume breathing, but you likely have no memory of this, however you wake up feeling exhausted and struggle with drowsiness, moodiness, and issues with memory and concentration during the day. Other symptoms include snoring and waking suddenly in the night choking or gasping for air.
Diagnosis and Oral Appliance Therapy
When you begin to exhibit symptoms like we mentioned above, seek a diagnosis with our team right away. Over time, in addition to impacting your ability to concentrate and perform at work, sleep apnea can strain your immune system and even put serious pressure on your heart health! Our team can talk to you about symptoms and risk factors, and decide if you benefit from oral appliance therapy.
With this option, we don’t need to prescribe a CPAP machine. Instead, we will take digital impressions of your bite and custom-fit an oral appliance that you wear like a mouthguard as you sleep. The oral appliance gently shifts your jaw and tongue forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you rest without interruption and wake feeling more rested and refreshed. The appliance itself is easy to use and clean, and it can travel with you too!
Improving Your Sleep Routine
You can also help by making a few positive changes to your sleep routine. In the two hours before bed, avoid large meals, vigorous exercise, caffeine, or excessive alcohol. In the hours before bed, avoid screens entirely. Keep your bedroom dark and cool, and try to maintain a good sleep schedule going to bed and waking up at the same times daily. These changes could potentially help you fall asleep faster. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat sleep apnea, then please reach out to our team today to learn more and get started.
Learn More About Sleep Treatment
We want to help ensure you can rest throughout the night without the need for a CPAP machine, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and convenient approach to addressing sleep disorders. To find out more about our custom oral appliances, or to schedule an appointment, please call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX at (281) 974-4494.
