Is your lack of restful sleep or tendency to snore really something your dentist needs to know about during a routine dental exam? It may be odd to think of sleep troubles as something related to your oral health, but this is a situation where your dentist can be the right person to speak to. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we can look into possible issues with sleep apnea and provide treatment that does not involve the use of a CPAP machine. What we can do instead is provide you with a custom oral appliance that gently changes the way your jaw’s position during the night. With that adjustment, we can make sure that your airways are not obstructed, which can give you back the ability to sleep without difficulties!
Snoring And Fatigue Are Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Issues with snoring and frequent bouts of fatigue both act as warning signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea interferes with your breathing while you are asleep, and forces your body out of its sleep cycle in order to correct this issue. If you do not look into treatment, the problem will worsen over time by keeping you from enjoying the benefits of restful sleep for an extended period of time. In addition to fatigue and snoring issues, you can experience problems with your mood, your concentration, and even your physical health!
Using An Oral Appliance To Correct Nighttime Breathing Troubles
Many people who have sleep apnea do not need help from a CPAP machine. What you can use instead is a custom oral appliance that you can wear during the night. The appliance will change the way you hold your jaw while you sleep, which can stop soft tissues in your throat from disrupting your breathing. When these interruptions are stopped, you should be able to sleep without snoring or interruptions in your rest cycle.
Other Matters To Discuss During A Routine Dental Exam
It may seem strange to bring up possible problems with sleep apnea during a routine dental exam. However, when you regularly attend checkups, you can find that your dentist is prepared to do more than just find and treat cavities during these visits! You can also discuss problems with your periodontal health, which can have serious consequences when ignored. If you struggle with bruxism, another nighttime issue, we can use a personalized guard to protect your teeth. People with bruxism will grind or clench throughout the night. When this is not addressed, it can lead to enamel damage that affects your appearance and oral health.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Possible Sleep Apnea Problems
Our dentist’s office in Ankney, IA is prepared to help patients who feel that something is wrong with their sleep habits. To find out more about our services, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
