Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) effects millions of Americans every year, but CPAP therapy may not be the only solution. Many OSA sufferers notice significant relief by using a small dental appliance. If you suffer from OSA, a visit to the dental team at Mt. Holly Family Dentistry may do you more good than an appointment with a sleep specialist. Find out more about sleep apnea therapy from Mt. Holly Family Dentistry today. Call to schedule a consolation or an appointment for any of our other dental health care services with one of our skilled dental professionals.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

Patients who suffer from sleep apnea exhibit a wide range of symptoms, and can be misdiagnosed for years. Seek sleep apnea care if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Excessive tiredness throughout the day
• Inability to remain alert or pay attention
• Loud, continual snoring
• Cessation of breathing during sleep
• Frequently awakening during the night or trouble staying asleep
• Awakening short of breath
• Dry mouth, sore threat, or headache in the morning

While mild or moderate occurrences of these warning signs may not be indicative of OSA, see a physician if snoring wakes you or others from sleep, if you wake frequently unable to catch your breath, or your daytime sleepiness causes you to fall asleep at inappropriate times.

Sleep Apnea Left Untreated

Those who suffer from OSA without treatment are more likely to develop numerous chronic illnesses such as:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Heart failure or arrhythmia
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Depression
• ADHD

As you sleep, your body is able to do the work of memory consolidation, cell regeneration, and other bodily healing and repair. Thus, when you don’t get enough sleep, you begin to feel confused and have poor memory because your mind doesn’t have the chance to properly organize and store the events of the previous day. This can contribute to developing depression or ADHD. Other diseases common among long time OSA sufferers are the result of lack of cell regeneration, and excessive strain without repair time.

CPAP Treatment

You may think that sleep apnea is only treatable with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. While this is an effective treatment for both obstructive and central sleep apnea, many patients find it difficult to adjust to sleeping with CPAP machines in place. CPAP consists of a machine that continually pumps air into the mouth and throat through a facial mask. This air ensures that your sleep will be unobstructed. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, there may be a better option.

Snore Guards in Mt. Holly, NJ

A small dental appliance, sometimes called snore guards, can be used to open your airway as you sleep. These small oral appliances move the jaw forward and the tongue away from the back of the throat. This shift in positioning removes the blockage that leads to sleep apnea, letting you rest peacefully throughout the night.

Find Out More

If you want to know more about how Mt. Holly Family Dentistry can help you overcome sleep apnea, call to schedule an appointment today. Our convenient Mt. Holly, NJ practice welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Westampton, Hainesport, Lumberton, Springfield, and Pemberton.