Do you wake up feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep? Do you or someone you know suffer from loud snoring while sleeping or sudden awakenings with gasping or difficulty breathing? Then you may be dealing with sleep apnea, a common condition affecting millions of people in the United States.
Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available to help manage sleep apnea and improve the quality of your sleep. Mouthguards, also known as oral appliances, are a popular and effective method to treat sleep apnea. This article will explore what sleep apnea is, how it is diagnosed, and how mouthguards work as an effective treatment option for those living in Bullard.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last from a few seconds all the way up to a few minutes and can happen dozens of times per hour. These pauses can disrupt the sleep cycle, resulting in an overall poor quality of sleep. In many cases, the person experiencing sleep apnea may not even be aware of their condition, as many of the symptoms occur while they are asleep.
In addition to loud snoring and difficulty breathing, other symptoms of sleep apnea can include daytime drowsiness, morning headaches, inability to concentrate, and irritability. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out the possibility of sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
In order to accurately diagnose sleep apnea, a doctor will perform a physical examination as well as a comprehensive sleep study. The sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is typically performed in a sleep lab or at-home with the use of a portable monitor. This study will monitor the patient’s brain, heart, and lung activity, as well as their airway and the level of oxygen in their blood. This test will determine the severity of the sleep apnea as well as the best treatment options.
Mouthguards as a Sleep Apnea Treatment
Mouthguards are a popular and effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea. These appliances are custom-fitted by a dentist or oral health professional to gently move the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway and allowing for proper breathing. In addition to improving the airflow, mouthguards can also help to reduce snoring and improve overall quality of sleep.
There are many different types of mouthguards available, but the two most common designs are mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and tongue retaining devices (TRD). MADs work by moving the lower jaw forward and holding it in position with straps around the back of the head, while TRDs work by holding the tongue in a forward position to help keep the airway open. Both of these designs can be custom-made to fit the individual’s mouth and can be adjusted if necessary.
Mouthguard Treatment in Bullard
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare professional. In Bullard, there are many different dentists and oral health professionals who specialize in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. They will perform a comprehensive examination and discuss the best treatment options, which may include mouthguards.
When seeking treatment for sleep apnea in Bullard, it’s important to choose a dental professional who is experienced in treating sleep apnea. Together, the patient and the dentist can work together to find the best treatment options to meet the patients individual needs and ensure a good night’s rest.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a common condition affecting millions of people in the United States. It can cause many disruptive symptoms and decrease overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available, the most common of which are mouthguards. In Bullard, there are many dentists and oral health professionals who specialize in sleep apnea treatment and can help patients find the best options for their needs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare professional and seek appropriate treatment. Mouthguards are an effective treatment option for sleep apnea and can help improve overall quality of sleep.