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Why Sleep Apnea Sufferers Should See A Dentist

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Sleeping should be a simple thing. However, that's not necessarily a reality for everyone. Some people suffer from sleep or sleep-related disorders. One such disorder is known as sleep apnea. Individuals with this condition stop breathing while they are sleeping, which can be very dangerous. There are different types of this condition with different causes. No matter the cause, however, sufferers should see a health care professional if they think they have sleep apnea or are exhibiting signs of it, such as excessive snoring or unexplained fatigue throughout the day. Surprisingly, a doctor isn't the only person who can help with this situation. Qualified dentists may also be able to provide beneficial options for sleep apnea treatment.

Know Your Options 

Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have and its cause or causes, a general or sleep doctor may advise various treatment options. However, a dentist may be able to provide you with solutions as well. These might include the use of an oral appliance during sleep. A dentist can help determine if an oral appliance would benefit you and, if so, which one would be the most beneficial. For example, your dentist might recommend a mandibular advancement device if you need help with opening the airway during sleep.

When you visit a dentist, you can learn about different treatment possibilities and what they can do for you. This can help you make the best decision for your health moving forward.

Protect Your Dental Health

In an effort to stop sleep apnea, some individuals may purchase non-custom or over-the-counter oral devices. This is not advisable since the wrong device may not help. It could even damage your dental health in some cases. For this reason, you should only use an oral device that has been recommended and, ideally, custom-made by your dentist. A good dentist may be able to help you reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms while also watching out for the well-being of your teeth and mouth.

Enjoy Incredible Convenience

If an oral appliance is helpful for your sleep apnea, it could help you avoid less conventional treatments, such as being reliant on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. If you are eligible for a dental appliance, you can take it with you wherever you go. Also, if you lose or damage the appliance, another one can typically be made quickly and easily.

Get Relief

Sleep apnea can have many unwanted effects, such as constant tiredness, jaw pain, and sleep deprivation. Thankfully, for many people, help from a dentist can provide relief for many or even all of these and other related symptoms. A simple visit to your dentist could be all you need to feel better and improve both your quality of sleep and your quality of life.

Sleep apnea can be serious and should never be ignored. As such, if you think you could have it, look into all available treatment options. Just make sure you don't overlook the power of a good dentist in the process.


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