The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and loud snoring is often the first sign. It happens when extra soft tissue in the back of your throat blocks your airway while you sleep. This causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night, sometimes dozens of times each hour. Because of this, people with obstructive sleep apnea often have poor sleep quality, even though they may not realize it.
Many don’t know that their dentist can help treat sleep apnea. Dr. Jack Zhang, a dentist in Cary, NC, has helped many patients improve their sleep by treating their sleep apnea. We also offer treatments for other dental concerns to patients in Cary and the surrounding areas.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Cary, NC
Dr. Zhang provides consultations for patients who think they might have sleep apnea. It can be hard to recognize since most symptoms happen during sleep. However, you can watch for signs while you’re awake or ask someone to look for symptoms while you’re sleeping. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Sore or dry throat in the morning
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness and mood swings
If these sound familiar, contact Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for a consultation. We’ll help you find relief.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed with a sleep study, where your breathing and sleep patterns are monitored. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, we can treat it with oral appliance therapy. This involves wearing a custom-made device that repositions your jaw to keep your airway open. It’s more comfortable than a CPAP machine and can prevent snoring and apnea episodes.
Common Causes of Sleep Apnea
Anyone can have sleep apnea, but certain factors increase the risk. Men over 40 are more likely to have it, especially if they gain weight quickly. Extra fat around the neck can press on the airway, making it close during sleep.
Smoking also increases the risk by irritating and inflaming the airway, which can cause blockages. A large neck can mean there’s extra tissue around the airway, making it harder to breathe.
Can a Mouthguard Help with Sleep Apnea?
A custom-made mouthguard, also known as an oral appliance, can help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. This device fits comfortably in your mouth. It gently moves your jaw forward to keep your airway open, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing. This can reduce or stop snoring and improve your sleep.
For more severe cases, you might need a CPAP machine. But a mouthguard can be a good alternative for those who find CPAP uncomfortable.
What Makes Sleep Apnea Worse?
Certain habits and sleeping positions can make sleep apnea worse. Sleeping on your back lets your tongue and soft tissues fall back into your throat, blocking your airway. Sleeping on your side, however, can keep the airway open and reduce apnea episodes.
Drinking alcohol or using sedatives can also make sleep apnea worse by relaxing the muscles in your throat, allowing the airway to close more easily. Gaining weight, especially around the neck, can make the airway smaller and increase the severity of sleep apnea.
CPAP Alternatives for Sleep Apnea
While CPAP machines are considered the standard treatment for sleep apnea, many patients find them uncomfortable and don’t wear them as recommended. As a result, their symptoms don’t improve.
We offer an alternative treatment option for sleep apnea. If CPAP hasn’t worked for you, we can fit you with a plastic mouthpiece to wear at night. This mouthpiece keeps your airway open so you can breathe more easily and get better sleep without the discomfort of a CPAP machine.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Do you suffer from moderate to severe sleep apnea? Have you tried using a CPAP machine without success? If so, contact the Kildaire team today. We can fit you with a custom mouthpiece that may help relieve your sleep apnea symptoms and improve your sleep.