Suspect you might have sleep apnea?
It’s crucial to your health to see a doctor soon. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Do your loved ones tell you that you regularly stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Frequently being tired during the day
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
Recurring interruptions in breathing during sleep robs the brain of oxygen. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.
CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the most well-known treatment for sleep apnea. Many people don’t know that there are other ways to treat it.
Your Dentist Can Help
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) conducted by a dentist can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:
- As a first-line treatment for individuals with mild to moderate OSA
- As a first-line treatment for individuals with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
- As a combination of therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)
A custom-fit oral appliance allows patients to breathe normally during sleep. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be made by a medical doctor. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.
The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:
- More convenient
- More comfortable
- Portable
- Quiet
- Doesn’t need electricity
- Easy to clean
- May allow the wearer to talk and eat during use
If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea, OAT can restore your health. The team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry encourages you to see a medical doctor soon before your health is compromised. If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call 248-541-8770 to schedule a consultation at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.
Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:
248-541-8770
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067
