Were You Aware That a Dentist Might Be the Greatest Aid in Dealing With Sleep Apnea?

Have you ever experienced waking up in the middle of the night struggling for breath? If so, you might be suffering from sleep apnea, a prevalent sleep condition among individuals in the United States. Studies suggest that more than 20 million Americans are currently grappling with this disorder.

While this condition is widespread, it should not be underestimated. Insufficient sleep can significantly impact your daily life, potentially leading to accidents even during simple activities. Fortunately, there exists a dental solution for sleep apnea that could assist you in achieving a peaceful night’s sleep. To learn more about this, continue reading.

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?

Individuals with sleep apnea encounter pauses in their breathing for a few seconds during their sleep, often resulting in snoring and a sensation of choking. These breathing interruptions frequently cause the affected person to wake up, leading to restless nights. Insufficient oxygen reaching the brain due to these breathing pauses can exert strain on vital organs like the heart and lungs with consistent occurrences. Hence, seeking the finest sleep apnea treatment in Scottsdale, especially if you are in the vicinity, becomes crucial to promptly address the issue. Expert dental professionals can aid you in overcoming this sleep disorder effectively.

The Two Varieties of Sleep Apnea

There exist two types of sleep apnea: OSA (Obstructed Sleep Apnea) and CSA (Central Sleep Apnea). OSA, the more common type, involves the partial collapse of the oral cavity during sleep breathing. For instance, the obstruction could be caused by the tongue falling into the throat, impeding airflow, or the septum blocking it. Dental sleep specialists are adept at treating this form of sleep apnea.

On the other hand, CSA is a more intricate disorder arising from neurological issues that lead to the brain failing to signal the body to breathe. To ascertain the type you are contending with, it is essential to undergo an accurate diagnosis through a sleep study and other relevant diagnostic approaches.

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Health?

Sleep apnea is associated with an elevated risk of an array of long-term health problems affecting both mental and physical well-being. Studies indicate that individuals experiencing this sleep disorder are nearly twice as likely to suffer from high blood pressure compared to those not afflicted. Consequently, they are more prone to heart disease and mental conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, and mania.

Left untreated, it can lead to chronic fatigue, further raising the risk of work-related and driving accidents. The repercussions of such incidents can be severe, even fatal.

Dentists as a Crucial Support in Treating Sleep Apnea

Innovative oral appliances have been devised by professionals in dental sleep medicine for tackling sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a meticulously tailored plastic device that is worn in the mouth before bedtime, akin to a mouthguard or retainer.

There is no concern about the device’s fit as it is customized to fit each individual’s mouth. Mandibular repositioning devices and tongue retaining devices are among the most popular types of oral appliances available today. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable one based on the intricacies of your condition.

Mandibular Repositioning Oral Appliance

To ensure continuous lung function while you sleep, a mandibular repositioning oral appliance functions by advancing your lower jaw. Within the realm of dental sleep medicine, these devices are widely preferred for treatment.

Tongue Retaining Oral Appliance

The tongue retaining oral appliance is ideal for individuals whose airway is obstructed by the tongue, making breathing difficult. This device will effectively hold your tongue stationary during sleep, eliminating the obstruction.