Dangers of Not Seeking Treatment for Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Posted on 7/12/2021 by Dynamic Dental
If you have sleep apnea, you need to seek treatment, as the condition is dangerous can impact your overall health and well-being.
What Is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where a patient stops breathing temporarily while sleeping. Normally, patients who snore have the condition, and it affects men more than it does women. This condition needs to be checked immediately so that a patient can reduce the risk of further health complaints or dental problems.
Getting Treatment for Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, you usually will snore or breathe through the mouth. When this happens, you also will have problems with dry mouth. Xerostomia or dry mouth causes tooth decay and gum infections, as there is no saliva to wash away the plaque in the mouth or maintain a neutral ph. Therefore, treating moderate to mild sleep apnea is helpful.
How We Can Help
Because sleep apnea results in the cessation of breathing, it can lead to a life-threatening situation. Surgery may be helpful when the condition is severe. A patient may also undergo Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy in these instances. Mild or moderate cases can be treated dentally with a mouth guard.
Why a Mouth Guard Can Be Effective
A mouth guard helps treat sleep apnea, as it pushes the tongue and lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. In some cases, the guard may come with a strap so the guard can be adjusted along the lower jaw.
Do you have problems with sleep apnea? If so, we can help. We will work with your doctor to find a remedy that will work for you. Give us a call today if this is a medical and dental concern. Also, if you have not done so recently, schedule a time for a dental cleaning and exam. We can arrange a time that will fit your schedule.