Do you ever feel like your breathing stops while you’re asleep? and wake up gasping for air? These symptoms could indicate a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea. You may wonder, “Can a dentist help with sleep apnea?” Yes, many people are not aware of it, but dentists can help manage certain cases of sleep apnea, especially mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Keep reading to find out how they can help.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing stops for a short time during sleep. The breathing pauses that occur while you’re asleep can range from a few seconds to a minute. It can disrupt the quality of your sleep, and because of that, you might feel groggy or fatigued the next day.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this condition, the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing a temporary airway block. That’s the reason why people with sleep apnea feel their breath almost stopping during sleep.
Signs of Sleep Apnea You Should Look Out for
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may present differently in each case. But there are definitely some tell-tale signs that you should be aware of:
- Waking up at night with a choke or gasp
- Loud snoring (if it’s frequent)
- Feeling tired or restless during the day
- Headaches in the morning
- You have a hard time focusing on anything
- Constant mood changes
- Your mouth or throat feels dry after waking up
If you or your partner has any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Reach out to your trusted dentist to learn how they can help you with sleep apnea.
How Can a Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?
More often than not, dentists are the first ones to notice sleep apnea signs because of the changes it causes in your oral health. Dentists may identify signs of sleep apnea, but a formal diagnosis typically requires a sleep study conducted by a physician.
If you have a known diagnosis of sleep apnea, then depending on how severe your symptoms are, your dentist can discuss sleep apnea treatment options.
One of the most effective solutions for mild to moderate sleep apnea is the use of an oral appliance. It is fully custom-made for you and works by adjusting your jaw and soft tissue positions so that your airway doesn’t get blocked during sleep.
Some experts, specifically biological dentists, also offer laser treatment for sleep apnea. It tightens the soft tissues in your throat, which also helps reduce airway blockage.
If dental treatments alone are not enough, your dentist may refer you to a specialist. Often, for patients with severe sleep apnea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is recommended.
Summing Up
So, can your dentist help with sleep apnea? The good news for you is that yes, they can. And in many cases, they can help reduce sleep apnea problems with less complicated treatments than CPAP.
If you have sleep apnea signs, talk to our certified expert at Houston Biological Dentistry. We recommend solutions that are not just helpful for your oral health but for your whole body. Call (713) 785-7767 to book an appointment today!