Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) means more than just daytime drowsiness and chronic snoring. Over time, the disorder could actually harm your immune system and strain your heart health. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how we treat OSA with a custom oral appliance, and help you avoid the need for a CPAP machine!
The Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
OSA could be caused by a number of issues, including a large neck circumference, sinus and allergy issues, a deviated septum, or issues with the growth and formation of your oral structures. The disorder means that as you sleep, the soft tissues in both the neck and the back of your mouth become very relaxed, collapsing and blocking airflow completely for a few seconds. The brain wakes you to start breathing again, but this brief interruption halts your sleep cycle, even if you don’t remember it happening. The result is daytime exhaustion, chronic snoring, headaches or migraines, moodiness, dry mouth, or waking suddenly in the night choking or gasping for breath.
Designing a Custom Solution
If you encounter one or more of these potential symptoms, then please give our team a call right away. We will start by asking about your sleep habits and performing a detailed exam to assess your risk. If we find you need treatment, we will take a series of detailed images with digital technology, which we use to craft a custom-fitted oral appliance.
The device will look and fit in your mouth much like a mouthguard, and is worn as you sleep. Once in place, the device then repositions the jaw by moving it forward, which prevents the collapse of soft tissues as you sleep, so you rest without interruption.
Better Habits
You can also help by adjusting your nighttime habits a bit. For example, try to rest on your side, not your back, and maintain a good schedule of going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day. You should also make sure your bedroom is a dark and cool environment, and if possible, one free of screens. In the two hours before bed, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, caffeinated products, large meals, or vigorous exercise. If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating issues like OSA or chronic snoring, then please contact our team today. We’re ready to help address your concerns and restore your quality of life, so you feel rested and alert during the day!
Ready to Improve Your Sleep?
Our team wants to help you avoid the serious complications of untreated OSA with a custom oral splint. To learn more about enjoying a good night’s rest once again, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
