Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a reduction or interruption of breathing during sleep. An apnea occurs when someone stops breathing for 10 seconds or more or takes less than 25% of a normal breath for a period that lasts 10 seconds or more. Another way that sleep apnea is defined is a reduction of oxygen to the blood by at least 4% when breathing stops.
This chronic condition puts a lot of stress on your body and brain, triggering serious health issues like dementia and heart disease. Many people struggle with CPAP machines, a common treatment option for those with sleep apnea. Thankfully, you have another option that you can get from your dentist. Dr. John Enloe with Creekside Dental offers treatment for sleep apnea in Flint, TX. He can provide an oral appliance that will help you breathe easier during sleep by adjusting your tongue and jaw position.
About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is most common among overweight adult men, but is also found in women and children. A diagnosis of sleep apnea is often suspected based on a person’s medical history. However, a doctor will need to administer a diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
It can be difficult to determine if you have sleep apnea since it happens while you are asleep. However, there are some symptoms that you (or perhaps your bed partner) can identify. Did you know that 1 in 5 people suffer with sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health issues.
Signs and symptom include:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Unexplained daytime sleepiness
- Headaches upon waking
- Morning sore throat
- Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
- Depression or irritability
Sleep Apnea and Its Affects on Your Health
Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop or pause, which causes you to break your natural sleep rhythm. The result is that you do not get the restorative sleep that you need to be mentally sharp and energetic the following day. This makes you less likely to be productive at best, and at worst, at risk for accidents.
Over time, sleep apnea can also result in serious health problems. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity have all been linked to obstructive sleep apnea. But with the proper diagnosis and treatment, you can control the systems and start getting the good night’s sleep you deserve.
Certain risk factors increase the chances that you have sleep apnea. These factors include excess weight, neck circumference, being male, being older, use of alcohol or sedatives, pregnant women and many more. Don’t wait until it’s too late, speak with Dr. Enloe about your concerns today.
Dental Solutions for Treating Sleep Apnea
Dental solutions can help you breathe easier at night if CPAP therapy doesn’t work for you. Research shows that oral appliances have become a good alternative.
Oral appliances might not match CPAP’s effectiveness for severe cases. However, an oral device for sleep apnea may be the better option if you suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea. Research indicates that younger patients, women, and people with lower body mass index usually see the best results with this treatment.
Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
An oral device for sleep apnea is a small, custom-made device that you will wear in your mouth while sleeping. It works by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the soft tissues in the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway. This helps reduce or eliminate breathing pauses that occur with sleep apnea.
The device is typically made of a thermoplastic material. We will take molds of your mouth so that it fits perfectly over your teeth. This sleep apnea treatment option is more comfortable to wear and sleep with. Also, Dr. Enloe can easily adjust it for a proper fit.
Wearing an oral device for sleep apnea on a consistent basis will result in better airflow during sleep, reduced snoring, and better oxygen levels in the blood. You can expect better sleep that will help with daytime alertness and better overall health.
What is the process like to get an oral device?
We will first gather impressions of your teeth and then send them to a dental laboratory. A skilled technician will create your custom sleep apnea mouthguard. This process usually takes around two weeks before we receive the final product. At your next appointment, we will ensure the oral sleep device fits correctly before sending you home with it.
Living with Your Oral Appliance
The success of oral appliance therapy depends on proper maintenance and regular follow-up care. Your oral appliance needs daily proper care to work as a sleep apnea treatment. A consistent cleaning routine will give a comfortable experience and help the device work better. Here are some tips for a daily care routine:
- Rinse with lukewarm water after removal
- Clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap
- Allow to air dry completely
- Store in a ventilated case
Regular dental check-ups help monitor your progress and keep your device fitting well. The patients who visit Dr. Enloe regularly show better long-term improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms.
Use your oral appliance every night when you sleep to get optimal results. Using it consistently gives you the best control over sleep apnea symptoms and helps you breathe better through the night.
You might feel temporary side effects as your body adapts to the device. Jaw pain is common when you first begin wearing your device; however, it should improve within two to four weeks.
Schedule Your Consultation to get Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Flint, TX
If you are reading, you either suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea or you’ve been recently diagnosed. Or, perhaps someone you love is suffering. Rest assured, you’ve come to the right place. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for obstructive sleep apnea patients. We also provide general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in Flint, Texas.
Call Creekside Dental today at 903-225-8031 or request an appointment online if you are ready to book your dentist appointment.