When you have trouble sleeping due to snoring or breathing problems, the most common treatment is through a CPAP machine. However, not everyone can sleep comfortably with a CPAP device. If you have sleep apnea in Arlington Heights, IL, you may be able to get effective treatment from your dentist. Sleep apnea is often associated with dental problems, and dental treatment could help. When treated by a trained and certified dentist, many patients can experience improved sleep and a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms.
How Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea in Arlington Heights, IL
Sleep apnea is a common sleeping condition in which your tongue or the soft tissue of your throat muscles can obstruct your airways. As we relax at night, our muscles tend to soften, which can lead to certain breathing difficulties. A CPAP machine is designed to help by filtering and pressurizing air that you breathe in. A customized oral appliance, however, can work to help reduce the restriction of your airflow. When worn properly, custom sleep apnea appliances could help keep your tongue and other muscles in the proper place for improved breathing and sleep.
When Oral Appliances Aren’t Effective
While a dental appliance could help treat mild cases of sleep apnea, they aren’t always the best option for moderate to severe cases. Before starting treatment, your dentist may recommend getting a sleep study to determine the cause and severity of your sleep apnea. If the case is too complex, an oral appliance may not be enough to help improve your breathing. If, however, the case is mild, your dentist may recommend trying an oral appliance before getting a CPAP machine.
Why You Should Treat Sleep Apnea
While the occasional bad night’s sleep caused by snoring isn’t a problem, consistent sleep disruption is bad for your overall health. Our bodies need deep sleep to help heal and recover from the day. If you aren’t getting deep sleep because of breathing problems, then you could be at an increased risk of developing other health problems.
Sleep apnea can also lead to worsening dental conditions. Many people with sleep apnea tend to sleep with their mouths open. This can lead to a dry mouth overnight. Saliva plays an important role in removing plaque and other harmful bacteria. Dry mouth caused by sleep apnea could put you at a greater risk of developing decay as well.
If you have trouble breathing while you sleep, you may need treatment for sleep apnea. At AH Smiles, we may be able to help with the use of a custom oral appliance. Call us today at (847) 230-9703 to schedule a consultation and see if sleep apnea treatment is available for you.