What is sleep apnea, and how is it connected to dentistry? These are two questions we are asked by patients who discover Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder that can become serious if not treated properly. It is characterized by a person’s breathing repeatedly stopping and starting throughout the night due to the relaxation of throat muscles. Two signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring and feeling drowsy even after a full night’s sleep. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the Flower Mound Family Dentistry team is here to help!
Some people are more prone to developing sleep apnea than others. If you take medications with sedating effects or drink alcoholic beverages before bed, the soft tissue in the throat will be more likely to relax and block your breathing. Overweight patients are also more likely to develop thicker throat tissue that can block the airway when they sleep. Genetics and smoking can also play a role in making a patient more prone to sleep apnea.
Since sleep apnea is linked to long-term sleep deprivation, it can lead to other health issues if left untreated. Sleep deprivation for a prolonged period can result in memory loss, chronic fatigue, and depression, among other things. The irregular breathing problems caused by sleep apnea can also weaken the heart over time. Waking up with a dry mouth or headaches can also signify that you may not have a healthy sleep pattern.
Flower Mound Family Dentistry provides treatment to patients who struggle with sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. The treatment is comfortable and non-invasive. We understand that struggling with sleep already adds discomfort to one’s life and believe our treatment will help alleviate it. We sleep for about one-third of our lives, so it is crucial to get high-quality sleep that revives our bodies and minds.
If sleep apnea is a struggle of yours and you would like to address it, we have you covered! Our fitted oral appliance will aid in restoring airflow while you sleep, which will keep your throat from collapsing. Sleep apnea dentistry has excellent results, with patients obtaining higher quality sleep and better overall health! If you are interested in learning more, please call our office at (972) 539-4776.