Suspect you might have obstructive sleep apnea?
It’s important to see your doctor right away. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Does your bed partner tell you that you frequently stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Frequently being tired during the day
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
Recurring pauses in breathing during sleep cuts off oxygen to the brain. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.
CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the most well-known treatment for sleep apnea. Many people have never heard of any other treatments.
Your Dentist Can Help
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) conducted by a dentist can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:
- As a first-line treatment for people with mild to moderate OSA
- As a first-line treatment for individuals with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
- As a combination therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)
A custom-fit oral appliance allows patients to breath normally during sleep. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be made by a medical doctor. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.
The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:
- More convenient
- More comfortable
- Portable
- Quiet
- Doesn’t need electricity
- Easy to clean
- May allow the wearer to talk and eat during use
If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea, OAT can restore your health. The team at Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS encourages you to see an MD soon before your health is compromised. If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call us to schedule a consultation at Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS.
Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:
(410) 357-0099
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111
