Many of us will be making big changes to our daily life with our New Year’s resolutions. With that in mind, why not make a resolution to improve how you rest? In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will explain how we diagnose and treat common sleep issues, such as chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Warning Signs of Poor Sleep
How do you know if you’re currently experiencing sleep issues? Well, the most common warning sign is daytime drowsiness, even if you’re pretty sure you slept the night before. With sleep apnea, you actually stop breathing for brief periods as soft tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth collapse and cut off airflow. You may not remember these episodes, but they interrupt your sleep cycle and could leave you feeling exhausted the next day. Chronic snoring is also an indicator, as collapsed tissues that causes cessation of breathing also make snoring more likely in between these episodes. You could also wake suddenly struggling to breathe or gasping for air, have dry mouth, headaches, and moodiness.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
If you experience one or more of the warning signs we discussed in the section above, then contact our team today. We will assess your symptoms and sleep habits to see if you benefit from care. While sleep apnea may seem like a minor issue, lack of proper rest could strain your immune system and your cardiovascular systems. Which means over time, you could become sick more frequently, or be more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
Treatment Options
We’re happy to offer our patients an alternative to the cumbersome and loud CPAP machine. Instead, we will take detailed impressions and images of your smile, which will be used in a dental lab setting to create an oral appliance. The device will fit like a mouthguard, but help reposition the jaw to stop the effects of soft tissue collapse. You then breathe without interruption and avoid OSA-related symptoms. You could also lower your risk by sleeping on your side, not your back, and avoiding alcohol, exercise, or large meals in the two hours before bed. If you have any questions about our sleep treatments, or if you would like to schedule your first checkup and cleaning visit of 2021, then contact our team today. Make this the year you embrace good oral health!
Do You Have Questions About Improving Your Sleep?
We’re happy to offer treatment as a good night’s rest is vital for good quality of life. To learn more about our treatment options for sleep disorders, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
