Approximately 12 million people in the US suffer from sleep apnea in Naperville. Currently, there are a variety of treatment options to help cope with this problem, but you may not have considered visiting your dentist for help.
What It Is
Sleep apnea happens when you stop breathing for a very short amount of time. You don’t know it’s going on, but it can last up to 10 seconds. It can happen when your soft tissues and muscles relax too much while sleeping, which blocks the airways from getting air. Primarily, breathing machines are used to keep the airways open while sleeping, but dentists can also help, as well.
How Dentists Help
Because the condition affects your airways and not your teeth or gums, many people are surprised to learn that dentists can help. However, they can design oral appliances that will perfectly fit your mouth. Oral appliance therapy requires a dentist to take a cast of your teeth and mouth, then create a plastic or silicone device to support your mouth while sleeping so that your muscles can’t relax too much.
It makes sense to have your dentist help with treatment options since they know your mouth better than anyone else.
Technically, you will still suffer from the condition, but won’t have the ill effects, such as stopped breathing, during the night. Likewise, you may find that you can get more rest and wake up refreshed instead of more tired.
Any Downsides?
Primarily, the only downside of oral appliance therapy is that the appliances can degrade quickly, especially if you grind your teeth, and you’ll still have something in your mouth during the night.
Sleep apnea in Naperville can be treated by a dentist. Visit the Center For Dentistry now to request an appointment.
