People with sleep apnea face an uphill battle in getting a restful night’s sleep. Multiple options can help treat the condition, but some involve cumbersome devices and long testing hours to see if they can genuinely benefit from the process. For those seeking alternative treatments, viable options can take time to understand. However, could something as routine as dental treatments help with your sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Knowing you have sleep apnea is the first step toward getting a better night’s sleep. There are a few telltale signs that you’re currently experiencing the condition, and you can begin speaking with a professional to get the help you need. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:
Loud Snoring
Repeatedly Stop Breathing While Sleeping (Reported by Another Person)
Gasping for Air During Sleep
Waking Up With Dry Mouth
Frequent Morning Headaches
Bouts of Insomnia
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek a professional opinion to get confirmation. Once it has been determined you have sleep apnea, you can begin exploring the different options for sleep apnea treatment in Arlington, VA.
How Can Dental Treatments Help Deal With Sleep Apnea?
One of the leading causes of sleep apnea revolves around obstructions in your airway that prevent efficient breathing. These blockages can range in causes and severity. Still, they generally relate to obesity, over-relaxation of the soft palate, and in some cases, your brain not sending the right signals. When you’re dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, finding ways to strengthen the soft palate can help improve your breathing during the night.
In some cases, dentists can use oral appliance therapy to help improve their breathing while they sleep. While similar in function to a CPAP machine, these oral appliances are much less cumbersome and share more in common with a mouth guard or retainer.
The Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Undergoing oral appliance therapy for your sleep apnea can yield a range of benefits that will help you in the long run. Since these appliances are molded to fit your mouth precisely, you know it’s designed with your unique needs in mind. In addition, they can help keep your jaw and tongue in the forward position, reducing the chances of an obstruction forming while you sleep.
When these appliances work as intended, they will help keep your airway open and allow for easier breathing. Bloom Dental of Arlington has worked with countless patients dealing with sleep apnea to design and mold the perfect oral appliance for their ongoing therapy needs. When you come to us, we treat you with the care and attention you deserve.
Trust Bloom Dental of Arlington With Your Oral Appliance Therapy
When you need immediate treatment for sleep apnea but don’t want to endure dealing with a CPAP machine, oral appliance therapy can be the answer to your sleepy time prayers. Our team will work with you to accurately size and mold an appliance to help treat your symptoms and help you get a good night’s sleep. Contact our team to schedule your next sleep apnea or cosmetic dentistry services in Arlington, VA, today!