Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that could lead to poor health and even impact your overall quality of life. Treatment is necessary to improve how you rest and to avoid major complications. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about sleep apnea and when to seek treatment.
The Causes and Warning Signs of OSA
With this disorder, as you sleep soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat will become too relaxed and collapse. Airflow is then cut off and you stop breathing briefly. The brain wakes you, and even if you don’t remember this happening, this cessation of breathing and interruptions to your sleep cycle could leave you feeling exhausted and cause major health complications. People with the disorder could experience chronic snoring, dry mouth, waking up gasping for air or choking, headaches, moodiness, and trouble focusing on tasks at work or school. If one or more of these potential symptoms applies to you, then let us know right away so we can conduct a diagnosis.
The Impact of Ignoring the Disorder
Without treatment, sleep apnea can grow more severe and actually strain your immune system, so your risk of illness increases with time. Your inability to obtain proper rest could also impact your work life and relationships too. The stress on your cardiovascular health could also boost the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and even the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack. Don’t let this harm your quality of life and overall health, talk to our team about a possible solution.
Our Treatment Option
Instead of a CPAP machine, our team could offer a more comfortable and convenient solution with an oral appliance. The device is custom-fitted for your smile and will look and fit like a simple mouthguard. However, while you sleep the device moves your jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. You then breathe without interruption, and obtain a good night’s rest. You can also help by avoiding excessive alcohol, large meals, or vigorous exercise in the two hours before bed. Rets ion yours die, not your back, and keep your bedroom dark and cool as well. Try to avoid stress right before bed as well. These actions also help you rest easier.
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat a serious disorder like OSA, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a good night’s rest again!
Do You Have Trouble Sleeping?
Contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 to learn about how our team offers a solution for a common sleep disorder like OSA.