What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?
If you snore, it could be more than just an annoyance to the person with whom you share a bed. Severe snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes you to feel fatigued and drowsy throughout your day. Sleep apnea in Seattle can also increase your risk of certain medical conditions, including heart disease and stroke. Dental sleep medicine helps address sleep apnea and stop snoring through the use of custom devices. Your dentist may work in tandem with a sleep doctor to come up with the best solution for you, as every person has unique needs. Read on to learn more about dental sleep medicine.
Quality of Life
If you’re like most people, chances are you know what it feels like to have not gotten a good night’s sleep. Individuals suffering from sleep apnea experience this on a regular basis and may feel tired and irritable quite frequently. A lack of quality sleep affects not only your mood but also your overall well-being. Snoring is just one of the symptoms of sleep apnea, and should not be ignored if you or your sleep partner notices it. Your dentist can provide you with snoring solutions that will help you get a restful night’s sleep, which is better for your physical and emotional health.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects many adults and carries long-term health risks. If you have sleep apnea but do not seek treatment, you could be increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and other conditions. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be surprised to learn that your dentist can be part of your treatment plan. Your dentist can fit you with a custom oral appliance that helps keep your airway open while you sleep, greatly reducing or eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea. Many people prefer an oral appliance like a CPAP alternative because it is smaller, more portable, and less disruptive than a CPAP machine. In some cases, your doctors may recommend that you use CPAP therapy together with an oral appliance.