Stop Snoring and Sleep Soundly with Your Dentist in Valparaiso
Is your spouse constantly elbowing you in the side at night because you will not stop snoring? Maybe you wake with a headache or feeling tired despite sleeping all night? If either of these situations sounds familiar, you could suffer from a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea causes a wide array of symptoms due to an obstruction in the airway that causes numerous pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. While it may only seem like a nuisance, if it is not treated by your dentist in Valparaiso, it could lead to potentially deadly complications while significantly decreasing your quality of life.
Recognizing the Signs of Sleep Apnea
It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from a form of sleep apnea, but it is believed that as much as 80 percent of those with the condition remain undiagnosed. This is largely due to not understanding the diversity of symptoms that can occur.
Often, chronic snoring and morning headaches are the most common signs. However, it can also include daytime fatigue, waking frequently at night, or a sore throat that returns often. Over time, symptoms can begin to impact your daily life, causing mood swings, depression, and even sleep deprivation.
The lack of proper oxygen levels will take a toll on your health overall. In fact, you can develop cardiovascular disease, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
If these symptoms sound familiar, you many now suspect the condition. The only way to get a diagnosis is through a sleep study. A device is worn at night to monitor your breathing while you sleep. Using the information gathered, your physician can make a diagnosis and refer you to a dentist for sleep apnea therapy in Valparaiso.
Treating the Sleep Disorder
In the past, the condition was most often treated using a CPAP machine, which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn at night. However, this is uncomfortable and most people did not abide by its proper use.
Now, the most preferred form of treatment involves a custom-fit oral appliance that is only available from a dentist. It is similar to a mouthguard, but instead of protecting the teeth, it repositions the jaw forward to keep the airways open. It is a simple and noninvasive means to effectively treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Sleep Soundly with the Right Treatment
If you are not feeling well-rested in the morning and snore excessively, you need to take action to check for sleep apnea. With the right diagnosis, your dentist can help you sleep soundly while protecting your overall well-being.
About the Our Dental Team
At Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates, we do more than just promote the health of your smile. We also offer effective solutions to treat sleep apnea. With the right oral appliance, you can restore your quality of life and improve your health. If you suspect you have the disorder, please contact our office to have your questions addressed.