Breathing And Air Way Dentistry In Yorba Linda, CA
Do people complain about your constant snoring? You may have sleep apnea and not even realize it.
You may be surprised to hear that your dentist can diagnose and treat your sleep disorder.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is often accompanied by snoring. While you sleep, you are disrupted when your airflow is blocked and you may snore or get startled awake. This can happen many times per night and prevent you from getting a restful night’s sleep.
Most people don’t notice their nighttime symptoms but experience excessive sleepiness during the day or fall asleep throughout the day. Sleep apnea can cause other serious health issues and it puts you at a higher risk for accidents due to fatigue.
There are different types of sleep apnea that depend on the reason for the restricted airflow. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked either partially or completely during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe even though the airway isn’t blocked. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two types.
If you have obstructive or mixed sleep apnea, you could benefit from airway management using a mandibular repositioning appliance to help manage your sleep disorder. This oral appliance is an alternative to the traditional CPAP treatment. The oral appliance keeps the lower jaw in a protruded position, so the airway is opened by pulling your tongue forward. It also holds the lower jaw in a stable position.
This airway management system is smaller and more convenient than the bulky CPAP machine, so ask your dentist about oral appliances.