Did you know that your snoring and problems sleeping could be linked to dentistry? Sleep disturbances, such as snoring, could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, and your dentist could help.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
According to The Mayo Clinic, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep. When the throat muscles relax, you can stop breathing for moments at time because the soft tissue is collapsing and blocking your airway. Essentially, this means that you could be experiencing breathing pauses hundreds of times every night.
Learn more about sleep apnea Here.
How Common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and What are the Symptoms?
Nearly 54 million Americans are living with this type of sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. It’s important to look for the common symptoms when sleeping, as not everyone who snores is experiencing sleep apnea. Look for:
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding (often the first sign)
- Gasping
- Choking
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Worsening of ADHD
Read more HERE.
How GPS Can Help With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Dentists can be the first line of diagnosis and defense when it comes to obstructive sleep apnea. Dentist’s can look for signs of teeth grinding and talk with you about any other symptoms, or recommend having a sleep study done.
Treatment for sleep apnea is extremely important, because if left undiagnosed, it could lead to more serious health problems, such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Acid reflux
- And more
That’s why it’s so important to consult your dentist if you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea. And, at GPS Dental, we have mouth guards that can lower those health risks and treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or mouth guard, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea and snoring. This mouth guard is worn only while you sleep and fits like an orthodontic retainer. These oral appliances support your jaw, to help maintain an open upper airway even as your muscles relax.
More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance and Dr. Skrobanek will recommend the device that is best for you. Oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans. Give us a call today to discuss our mouth guards!
Learn more about the link between dentistry and obstructive sleep apnea HERE.
Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.
