Do you frequently experience headaches during the day? Has your partner woken you up in the middle of the night, because your snoring was so loud he or she couldn’t sleep? At work, are you bothered by neck or jaw pain? Are you always tired, no matter how much sleep you get? If these symptoms apply to you, you could be struggling with a single condition that is known to cause them all. It’s called sleep apnea. Fortunately, your dentist might be able to offer you a simple solution for treating sleep apnea, so you can finally get a good night’s sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea and How Can a Dentist Treat It?
Sleep apnea occurs when the passageway you breathe through, becomes blocked as you try to sleep. This can occur hundreds of times in a single night, making it almost impossible to get a restful night’s sleep, no matter how early you get to bed.
How a dentist can potentially help, though, is by providing you with a simple oral appliance such as a SomnoDent oral appliance, which is designed to help you sleep better. The appliance is actually similar to a mouthguard used to protect teeth during sporting events. Only a sleep appliance is designed to keep your jaw in a safe and comfortable position as you sleep, so that your passageway will remain clear.
Though this treatment will not work in all cases of sleep apnea, it’s good to talk with your dentist about your options, and to find out if an oral appliance could work for you. Remember, sleep is one of the things your body most needs to function at its best, so if there is anything interfering with your ability to get good rest, be sure to address it with your dentist or your general physician.
About Your Spring, TX Dental Experts:
At Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry, located in Spring, TX, we proudly deliver modern, quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment to patients and families throughout the community. Though we are located in Spring, we also welcome patients from Houston, The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry today at 281-320-2000.
