Don’t Struggle With Sleep Apnea, Treat It

Do you have a problem with snoring? This annoying sleep side effect can be a nuisance for your partner or roommate, but it can also be the sign of something more serious. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that restricts your breathing while you sleep. This can cause snoring, it can also cause you to wake up hundreds of times throughout the night. These episodes of apnea don’t always cause you to wake fully from sleep, so you may not realize that it’s happening. However, they can result in headaches, restless sleep, and worse. Don’t struggle with your sleep apnea, it’s time to treat it.

Before You Can Treat Sleep Apnea, You Have to Diagnose It

Not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea, but if you do, you want to know right away. Your dentist can actually help you diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Now, you can typically find at-home kits that will analyze your sleep for episodes of apnea. These kits are affordable, and involve less overhead than staying at a hospital overnight. Once you determine that you have sleep apnea, your dentist can help you overcome this issue.

Sleep Apnea Has Its Own Set of Symptoms

Sleep apnea can run in your family. If you have relatives that suffer from the condition, you could be at risk. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also increase your risk for sleep apnea. Further, if you are obese or you have enlarged oral tissues, you’ll want to seek a diagnosis.

An Oral Appliance Can Often Correct for Cases of Sleep Apnea

Some serious cases of sleep apnea may require an actual machine to help you sleep. Often though, a custom-made oral appliance (a mouthguard essentially) can be fabricated by your dentist to help you overcome apnea. The oral appliance prevents oral tissue like your tongue from blocking your airway while you sleep.

Connect with Elm Creek Dental About Treating Sleep Apnea

Dr. Carter and the Elm Creek Dental staff want to help you enjoy a happy, healthy life. Whether it’s taking care of your teeth, or improving the way you sleep, Elm Creek provides quality oral healthcare for Maple Grove. Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of the sleep you need! Schedule a consultation about sleep apnea with Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN by calling 763-416-0606.