At Reiser Dental in Denver, CO, we believe good sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea, which can cause serious health problems. We are committed to helping our patients get the rest they need through the use of oral appliances for sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where, during sleep, you sometimes stop breathing. There are different types of sleep apnea. You can have obstructive sleep apnea, where a narrow airway or something else is preventing you from breathing. Another option is central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain is not correctly signaling you to breathe at night.
Who is at risk for sleep apnea?
Pretty much everyone is at risk for sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 31 years old and in perfect shape, where I thought there were no issues whatsoever with me. However, it is more commonly found in people over 40 years old, those who are overweight, or those with a narrow airway.
The exact causes of sleep apnea are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the development of the condition. Some common causes of sleep apnea include:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking
- Alcohol or sedative use
- Genetics
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal congestion or allergies
How does sleep apnea affect my oral health?
Sleep apnea can affect your oral health in multiple ways. It can cause grinding, which is one of the main things we see with it, and dry mouth, which can lead to cavities. It can also result in jaw issues, dental plaque, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and a lot of other issues.
How can a dentist help diagnose and treat sleep apnea?
There are multiple ways. When we do our visual examination and take X-rays, we can look at your airway and see if it appears obstructive, potentially leading to obstructive sleep apnea. We also work with sleep doctors and hospitals to set you up for sleep studies to diagnose if you have sleep apnea.
Can oral surgery help me cure sleep apnea?
This is a fun question: yes and no. We normally use it as a very last resort. I work with multiple people who have had throat surgeries and devices placed, with mixed results regarding their effectiveness.
What appliances do dentists recommend for sleep apnea?
First and foremost, we always try to work with you to use a CPAP. The CPAP is the gold standard for sleep apnea, and that's what we normally try to get you to use to help with your issues. If the CPAP does not work for you, we can make an oral device for you to wear at night, which will help reposition your lower jaw to ensure you can breathe at night.
Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. While snoring is usually harmless, it can indicate a more serious sleep disorder.
Sleep apnea can increase the risk of several serious health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory problems
- Snoring
Understanding Sleep Disordered Breathing
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea symptoms can include irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced ability to perform everyday tasks. Fortunately, effective treatments for sleep apnea are available, including oral appliances.
Helping You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
At Reiser Dental, our sleep dentists are committed to helping you get the rest you need. We offer a range of dental sleep medicine services, including the use of oral appliances for sleep apnea. Our goal is to provide our patients with comfortable, effective treatment options that will allow them to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep apnea causes have been linked to the following and more:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory problems
What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea.
At Reiser Dental, our sleep dentists are trained in dental sleep medicine and can provide our patients with effective options for sleep apnea treatments.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are a comfortable and effective treatment option for sleep apnea. These custom-fitted devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and keep the airway open, preventing the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the airway. Some of the benefits of oral appliances for sleep apnea include:
- Easy to use and maintain
- Comfortable and non-invasive
- Convenient for travel
- Can be an effective alternative to CPAP machines
- Can improve sleep quality and reduce snoring
What Do Our Sleep Dentists Do?
Our sleep dentists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. When you visit us for a sleep apnea consultation, we will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. If an oral appliance is right for you, we will work with you to create a custom-fitted device that meets your specific needs.
Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Keep You Up at Night. Contact Us!
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Reiser Dental, we are here to help. Contact us to schedule a sleep apnea mouthpiece consultation and take the first step toward getting the restful, rejuvenating sleep you need.