A good night's sleep is essential to overall health.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is disrupted by obstructions in the airway. Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems. Sleep apnea is often treated by wearing a face mask connected to a breathing pump, but many people find the face mask frustrating or intolerable.
However, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea may be treatable with the use of a simple oral appliance. The appliance is custom designed to fit over your teeth. It keeps your airway open by preventing your tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep.
These are common symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Restless sleep
- Waking up from sleep feeling like you are choking or gasping
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a very sore or dry throat
- Daytime drowsiness
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician, so if you are experiencing these symptoms, we recommend you talk with our dentists as well as with your doctor. Call us today at 903-218-4044, and let's talk about how you can have a better night's sleep.
