A Good Night's Rest is Priceless
Sleep makes you feel rested and ready to take on the world, yet many people don't get the sleep they need due to sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) that are either their own, or their sleeping partners.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD) is recurrent episodes of reduced or interrupted respiratory airflow caused by soft tissues near the back of the throat collapsing during sleep causing a partially closed off windpipe.
Worsens when sleeping on one’s back because it encourages the lower jaw to slip back, which in turn pushes the tongue in front of the airway.
Chronic loud snoring is a common symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the upper airway is blocked to the point of causing significant airflow disruption, or even no airflow whatsoever for 10 seconds or more. This can be dangerous as reduced airflow into the lungs lowers blood-oxygen levels.
A person with Sleep Apnea may wake 50 or more times per hour without having any memory of it. These awakenings last just long enough to restore muscle tone to the airway so the individual can breathe.
What to Look For
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious condition as it can lead to heart problems and other health issues.
It's possible you may have OSA if you snore and also suffer from any of the following:
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Poor Memory/Confusion
- Accident Proneness
- Night Sweats
- Morning Headaches
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity
How We Can Help
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is an Oral Appliance that only a Dentist can fabricate, fit, adjust, monitor, and treat in association with your Sleep Doctor and/or Pulmonologist.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any combination of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, talk to us about Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
Helpful Resources
Want to learn more about how dentistry can help your slumbers? Check out the sources below!
See Available Appointments
This site uses cookies to provide you with the best user experience possible. By using our website, you will be providing your consent to our use of cookies as laid out in our Privacy Policy.