Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Collingswood, NJ
You might be surprised if a dentist asks you about your sleep quality; however, there is a very good reason for this question if you are suddenly clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. These habits can indicate sleep disturbances caused by obstructive apnea.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Individuals who have OSA experience oxygen deprivation when the airway is repeatedly blocked while sleeping. When you stop breathing during the night, you may make choking sounds or wake up gasping; this is your brain signaling to you that it needs oxygen. Some people, especially those who sleep alone, may not realize what is happening. This is why up to 80 percent of all OSA cases go undiagnosed.
What Are Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Breathing can stop for 10 seconds or more a hundred times each night. If you are unaware this is happening, you may wonder why you:
- Feel tired all day long
- Fall asleep while driving or watching TV
- Have a headache every morning
- Feel depressed for no reason
- Become irritated at every little thing
What Are the Most Common Sleep Apnea Causes?
With obstructive apnea, the upper airway muscles relax, and if you are sleeping on your back, your tongue may fall back, blocking the airway even further. Individuals are more prone to this if they are:
- Obese
- Male
- Have a 16 inch or more neck size
- Are heavy sedative and alcohol users
- Have a family history of OSA or other types of sleep apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
A diagnosis is essential before beginning any treatment. First, see a doctor who will send you to a sleep center. A technician at the sleep center will measure the number of apnea events you have each hour to determine if you have mild, moderate or severe OSA.
Conservative treatment includes losing weight if you are overweight or obese and sleeping on your side. If you still gasp for air at night, ask your doctor about seeing a dentist for a sleep apnea mouthpiece. A custom-made oral appliance can stop snoring and paused breathing, letting you enjoy your days, instead of feeling fatigued. If you have sleep apnea in Collingswood, call our office to see if an oral appliance is right for you.
What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
A sleep apnea mouth guard positions your jaw forward, keeping your airway open. There are oral appliances that keep your tongue from falling backwards, as well as mouth guards that do both. Oral appliances resemble a mouth guard you would wear for contact sports. Call our office to schedule a consultation with our sleep dentist.
What Does an Oral Appliance Cost?
If you are looking for an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Collingswood, call our office to more about types of mouth guards and their cost.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?
Oral appliance therapy is one of the easiest ways to improve the quality of your sleep. If you have obstructive apnea, using a mouth guard may help you avoid the need for surgery. For treatment for sleep apnea in Collingswood, call our office to learn more and to schedule an appointment.
