Do you always feel tired no matter how much sleep you get? Do you wake up gasping for breath? You may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder many people struggle with, and if untreated, it can severely impact your health! Thankfully, there are effective treatments.
Can a Dentist Provide Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. With OSA, the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, blocking your airway and restricting airflow. When you get a diagnosis from a sleep apnea doctor, you’ll likely have a few treatment options to choose from. CPAP machines are common, but a sleep apnea dentist can also create a custom oral appliance that keeps your airway open! Many people find these easier to adjust to than CPAP masks. They’re also more portable.
How Do You Know if You Have Sleep Apnea?
When your airflow gets blocked while you sleep, your body wakes up to get oxygen. If you have severe sleep apnea, you may wake up hundreds of times during the night but not remember. There are other symptoms to be aware of, including:
- Loud snoring
- Persistent fatigue
- Brain fogginess during the day
- Waking up with headaches
- Waking up with dry mouth
Anyone can get sleep apnea, but men are 2-3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women. A family history of sleep apnea, age, and weight also increase a person’s risk for the disorder.
Treating Sleep Apnea at Hillstream Dental in Rochester Hills & St. Clair Shores, MI
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to health problems like high blood pressure, heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and more. If you’re noticing symptoms and wondering if you have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to see a sleep apnea doctor! At Hillstream Dental, our sleep apnea dentist offers custom oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Contact Us
