Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your dentist can provide you with an simple and convenient solution by fitting you with a custom-made mouthguard to wear while you sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing while they sleep, from a few seconds up to more than a minute. This may happen hundreds of times a night. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when muscles relax during sleep, and cause soft tissue in the mouth and throat to collapse and block the airway. Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Daytime drowsiness and fatigue
- Chronic loud snoring
- Waking suddenly at night short of breath
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Loss of focus and attention
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Health and Wellness?
If left untreated, sleep apnea can eventually lead to a number of health problems, such as:
- High Blood Pressure
- Stroke
- Irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Increased ADHD symptoms
- Headaches
Additionally, untreated sleep apnea can result in decreased performance and mistakes in everyday activities, such as job performance, automobile accidents, and academic performance by children and adolescents. Any activity that can suffer from fatigue and decreased focus is vulnerable to the effects of untreated sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and Dental Health
Sleep apnea can also affect dental health, in addition to the previously mentioned unwanted effects. The most common dental problem caused by sleep apnea is jaw pain. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), once thought to be caused by stress-related teeth grinding, have now been shown to often be caused by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also cause dental health problems like:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Wear and soreness from teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Painful chewing
How Hassey Do Duy Can Help With Sleep Apnea
Here at Hassey Do Duy, we can help with treating sleep apnea. Our dentist work carefully to fit you with a comfortable, custom-made mouthguard to wear while you sleep. This device pulls your jaw slightly forward, making more space between your tongue and soft palate and opening up the airway. Unlike bulky and awkward CPAP machines, this wearable appliance is a discreet and convenient way to get a better night’s sleep.
Find Out More
At Hassey Do Duy, we are known for our patient-centered care. We tailor your treatment to exactly what will work best for your unique situation. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to find out more about treatment with a comfortable, discreet custom mouthguard, call our Methuen office at 978.688.4441 to schedule a consultation.
