If you believe you have sleep apnea, there are a few treatments you can explore. But you may not realize that your general dentist is one person that can help. Your dentist may hold the key to helping you overcome this serious condition. If you are having difficulty breathing while you sleep, you need to take prompt action. Speaking with your dentist is a good first step. There are a few options your dentist will talk to you about.
There are two types of this condition. The first is called obstructive, and the second is called central. Some people can have a combination of the two. Obstructive occurs when something is blocking the person’s airway at night, causing the individual to stop and restart breathing throughout the night. These interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur several times while the person is asleep. Obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and having a thick neck can contribute to this dysfunction.
Dentists focus on patients’ oral health by diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. But a general dentist can also treat sleep apnea. The dentist will first talk to the patient about their symptoms. These can include grogginess throughout the day, exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Snoring is also a good indication that the person has this condition. The dentist will examine the patient and check for any abnormally large tissue in the back of the throat.
Fitting the patient with a mouthguard is often the most common way to treat sleep apnea. The patient would wear this device at night while sleeping. The mouthguard pushes the jaw forward, opening the airway. This prevents enough oxygen to enter and exit the mouth while the person sleeps. The dentist will ensure that the mouthguard fits correctly. Follow-up appointments would check to see if any adjustments to the mouthguard were necessary.
For some people that struggle with sleep apnea, the tongue is the culprit. While the person is asleep, the tongue may roll to the back of the throat, restricting airflow. A tongue depressor holds the tongue in place, so it will not block the passageway. The dentist can check often to make sure the method is working well for the patient.
In the most serious cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be the right treatment. The dentist would consider this if the mouthguard or tongue depressor were not working well. Surgery may be helpful in removing excess tissue in the throat. The dentist may recommend that the patient has their tonsils or adenoids removed to make more space in the airway.
Sleep apnea is nothing to scoff at. This serious problem can lead to cardiovascular issues. It can also impact how well you sleep at night. If you are having any trouble breathing at night, you should seek immediate treatment. Talk to your dentist today.
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