How a Dentist Can Help You With Sleep Apnea - Phillips & Schmitt DDS, PA

There are a lot of people who have sleep apnea. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 26% of adults who are between the ages of 30-70 have it. People can go to sleep centers to be officially diagnosed, but did you know that a dentist can also help you with your sleep apnea? Read on to learn more.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is when you involuntarily stop breathing while sleeping and then gasp for air. It can happen hundreds of times over the course of a night. That can result in a sense of being tired all day and it can even affect blood pressure. There are several ways to address this problem. You can see a local dentist who is knowledgeable about sleep issues to come up with a detailed plan on how to approach your unique situation.

Oral Appliances

Your local dentist can create an oral appliance that is similar to a mouth guard that is worn during sports. They may also call it a Mandibular Advancement Device. This appliance keeps your jaw in a forward position, which can ensure that your airway is open while you are sleeping. This appliance will be one that is custom-made for your mouth.

CPAP Machines

There is another treatment option besides oral appliances. It involves wearing a mask and having a machine continually push air through your lungs all night. This is known as CPAP. Wearing a CPAP will ultimately give you the most oxygen while you are sleeping, however, if you are unable to tolerate a CPAP, speak with your sleep physician about the option for a Mandibular Advancement Device and we would be happy to see discuss if this is an option for you

Whether you get a CPAP machine or if you get an oral device, make sure that you get ones that are prescribed by professionals. Over-the-counter ones may not be effective and you risk not getting the results that you want.

Sleep apnea isn’t something that should be ignored, as it could wind up with a lot of consequences, including medical emergencies. Tell your doctor if you think you have sleep apnea. Do you want to learn more about how Dr. Phillips can help you with sleep apnea? Contact Phillips & Schmitt, DDS today!