How Can My Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea? 

Do you sometimes sleep all night only to wake up exhausted? Do you snore loudly – so loudly that your spouse can’t sleep? It sounds like you might have sleep apnea. This condition can put you at risk. It’s important to get treatment.

Did you know that your dentist in Columbia, SC can help? It’s true! Dentists provide treatment for sleep apnea with specialized nightguards that promote healthy breathing during sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, see your dentist. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when you stop breathing while sleeping. For many people, sleep apnea occurs because the muscles in the back of the throat relax so much that the airway becomes blocked. To start breathing again, you have to wake up briefly. This means that you can get poor sleep, even when it feels like you slept all night long.

How Can Your Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?

Night guards are special dental tools that help keep the airway open during sleep. For many people, night guards are a good alternative to CPAP machines. Some patients find CPAP machines to be too uncomfortable to use during sleep. Many people find that night guards are more comfortable.

Should You Treat Sleep Apnea?

Yes, you should treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that can cause many problems. Some symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Irritability and mood swings
• Tiredness throughout the day, even after a full night’s rest
• Loud, disruptive snoring
• Gasping while sleeping

Sleep apnea can also put you at risk for heart conditions and stroke. Treating sleep apnea can help reduce your risk of these problems, and can also improve your quality of life.

Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?

Sleep apnea can be treated but not cured. If you have sleep apnea, you may always need to treat your condition to ensure good quality sleep at night.

Do you need sleep apnea treatment in Columbia, SC? The professionals at Tompkins Orthodontics can help. Call today to make an appointment and get started.