Are you tired of feeling tired? Sleep apnea doesn’t just make you snore. It steals your energy, your focus, and your joy. If you’re constantly dragging through the day or waking up gasping for air, you’re not alone. The good news is, you have options.
Did you think your dentist couldn’t help? When thinking of your dentist, the first thing that comes to mind is not sleep apnea treatment. If you or someone you know suffers from this, North Dallas Denture Center can help.
What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts your sleep. During the night, you stop breathing. The lack of oxygen causes you to jerk awake. This can happen many times throughout the night without you realizing it.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There is more than one form of the disorder, but obstructive sleep apnea is most often the diagnosis. Breathing is interrupted by partial or complete tongue or throat tissue blockage.
The obstruction puts extra stress on your lungs and diaphragm. It can take a few seconds to many minutes to begin breathing again.
Symptoms
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms happen while you’re asleep. However, there are common signs to look for. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following, it may be time to seek help:
- Loud snoring, especially if it disturbs your bed partner
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up frequently throughout the night
- Feeling extremely tired during the day, even after a full night’s rest
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can impact your daily life and long-term health. Proper treatment can help you sleep better and feel more energized throughout the day.
Sleep Apnea Is More Than Just Snoring
It’s easy to brush off sleep apnea as just “loud snoring,” but it’s much more than that. When left untreated, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even diabetes. Interrupted sleep also affects your memory, mood, and ability to focus. If you feel foggy or irritable during the day, your sleep may be to blame. Taking the condition seriously means protecting your health now and in the future. The good news? A simple dental device could make all the difference.
Treatment Options
Once you or someone you love has been diagnosed, it is time to look at treatment options. Many people are prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
What is a CPAP Machine
If you’ve ever known someone who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you might have heard CPAP mentioned. In CPAP, the patient wears a mask over their mouth and nose at night. The machine blows a steady stream of air down the patient’s throat.
This device keeps the airways open while you are resting. If the patient wears the mask, it can be a successful treatment option.
Side Effects of Using the Machine
While many people are prescribed a mask, not everyone can tolerate it. There are some things to consider when choosing this option.
Due to the constant air flow, many complain that their throat and mouth become too dry. The amount of air can also cause chest pain or bloating in the stomach. One of the biggest complaints is that it is not comfortable to sleep in.
What if I Need a CPAP Alternative
Not everyone can successfully treat their problem with the machine. When people don’t use the machine as intended, they will continue to have breathing problems at night.
Many people need an alternative to a CPAP mask. For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, there is another option.
Sleep Apnea Dental Device
The alternative is to use a dental device. It offers a comfortable, convenient alternative to a CPAP machine. It’s small, easy to wear, and doesn’t require electricity, making it portable and ideal for travel.
A mouth guard is worn while sleeping at night. It will perform one of two functions depending on the one you wear. The device gently moves your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open. This helps reduce snoring and improve sleep, making it an effective solution for many people.
One type brings the tongue forward, which unintentionally brings the jaw forward. The other type uses the upper jaw as an anchor. It brings the lower jaw forward. Since it is connected to the tongue, it keeps the tongue out of the throat.
The tongue is connected to the soft palate. When brought forward, it keeps the tissue out of the back of the throat. Either of these dental appliances can be used as a treatment option.
Many Patients Love Dental Sleep Devices
Many patients find dental devices easier to live with than a CPAP machine. They’re small, quiet, and don’t need electricity. They are perfect for traveling or sleeping next to a light sleeper. They also don’t require wearing a bulky mask or dealing with long hoses and noise. Best of all, most people adjust to wearing them within just a few nights. If you’ve been avoiding CPAP or find it hard to use, a custom device might be your ideal solution. It’s discreet, effective, and designed to help you sleep deeply without interruption.
How Can North Dallas Denture Center Help
Dr. Jason Roe is a sleep apnea dentist in Dallas. He offers two different appliances. During your appointment, the guard will be fitted to the unique shape of your mouth.
We carry SomnoDent, manufactured by SomnoMed, and the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP).
We will prescribe the right one for you based on your particular needs. Please feel free to schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your options.
What Else Can the Dental Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Treat
A mouth guard has other uses even if you do not suffer from this disorder. This type of oral appliance can also stop you from snoring. Loud snoring can be very disruptive to your bed partner.
A dental guard can also reduce headaches. If you routinely wake up with a headache or experience it throughout the day, this might be your treatment option.
Contact Us Today!
Are you finally ready to get a good night’s sleep? If you’re struggling with CPAP or still dealing with daytime exhaustion, a dental device might be the answer. Schedule your consultation at North Dallas Denture Center today and take the first step toward better sleep and brighter mornings.
Please contact us today if you need an alternative to a CPAP machine in Dallas. We can also treat loud snoring or daytime headaches. It is our pleasure to help you sleep more comfortably at night.
