Sleep apnea can prevent you from getting the good rest you need to function the next day, and could eventually stress your immune and cardiovascular system. But we have a treatment option that is nonintrusive and doesn’t require a CPAP machine. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about our sleep apnea appliances.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
How does a person develop sleep apnea? The disorder could occur due to factors like large neck circumference, obesity, sinus and allergy issues, a deviated septum, and issues with the growth and development of certain oral structures. Excessive alcohol consumption could also lead to concerns, as could resting on your back. The disorder means that as you sleep soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat become too relaxed and then collapse, which cuts off airflow completely. You stop breathing until the brain recognizes the drop in oxygen and wakes you. Over time, this occurring multiple times a night means you don’t obtain the uninterrupted REM sleep needed to feel alert and functional the next day.
Warning signs could include snoring, waking in the night choking or gasping for air, headaches, dry mouth, and moodiness. You could also have issues with concentrating on tasks at work or school, or with your memory. When you experience potential warning signs like these, please reach out to our team right away.
Creating a Custom Oral Appliance
The CPAP machine involves wearing a mask over your face that connects to a machine through a plastic hose. The machine pumps air to keep you breathing, but for many the device is simply too loud and cumbersome. But we can offer an alternative with an oral appliance! To begin, we will take detailed digital images and measurements of your smile, using them to design and custom-fit the oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and you will wear it as you sleep at night. The oral appliance then repositions the jaw and tongue to keep airways open and free of obstruction, so you breathe without interruption all night and avoid symptoms of sleep apnea!
Other Helpful Sleep Tips
You can also help by avoiding caffeine, large meals, or exercise in the two hours before bed. Be sure you rest on your side, not your back, and keep your bedroom dark and cool. Try to avoid screen usage in the hour before bed too. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Learn More About Treating Your Sleep Disorder
We would love to help you enjoy a good night’s rest with a CPAP alternative. To schedule an appointment, call Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124.