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Even Before a Positive Diagnosis, You Can Reduce Apnea's Symptoms
Posted on 11/15/2024 by Thomas Plunkett DMD
Do you wake up feeling tired despite getting a full night's sleep? Do you snore loudly? Do you experience daytime fatigue or headaches? If so, you might be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea.
While a formal diagnosis from a sleep specialist is important, there are steps you can take right now to reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve your overall health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds or even minutes, and they can occur hundreds of times a night. As a result, the brain and body don't get enough oxygen, leading to a variety of health problems.
How Can Oral Care Help?
While sleep apnea is often treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances can also be effective in some cases. These appliances work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to open up the airway and prevent the soft tissues from collapsing during sleep.
Types of Oral Appliances
There are two main types of oral appliances:
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Mandibular advancement devices: These devices fit over the lower teeth and gently push the jaw forward, opening up the airway.
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Tongue-retaining devices: These devices fit over the tongue and hold it in a forward position, preventing it from blocking the airway.
Restoration Dentistry and Sleep Apnea
In some cases, underlying dental problems can contribute to sleep apnea. For example, missing teeth or misaligned bites can change the shape of the airway and make it more likely to collapse during sleep. Restoration dentistry, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures, can help to correct these problems and improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Other Tips for Reducing Sleep Apnea Symptoms
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Lose weight: Even a small amount of weight loss can make a significant difference in your sleep apnea symptoms.
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Avoid alcohol and sedatives: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat and make it more likely for the airway to collapse.
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Sleep on your side: This position can help to keep your airway open.
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Use a humidifier: Dry air can irritate the throat and make it more likely for the airway to collapse.
See Your Dentist
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, it's important to see your dentist. They can assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment. By taking steps to improve your oral health and lifestyle, you can reduce the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.
Dentist Lakeland, FL - About - Thomas Plunkett, DMD Above all else, we here at Thomas Plunkett, DMD want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Call us today to schedule your appointment! Thomas Plunkett, DMD, 2137 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813 - 863-372-1010 - plunkettdental.com - 12/12/2024 - Key Phrases: dentist Lakeland -
Do you wake up feeling tired despite getting a full night's sleep? Do you snore loudly? Do you experience daytime fatigue or headaches? If so, you might be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea.