Something happens at night that 18 million Americans experience. Is it dreaming? Not quite, and hopefully more people than that dream every night. Is it restless leg syndrome? No, but it can cause you and your loved ones some restless nights. Ready for the answer? It is chronic snoring, specifically sleep apnea. This disorder repeatedly interrupts a person’s breathing while he or she is sleeping. If left untreated, it can lead to issues such as memory loss, heart disease, low oxygen levels, and diabetes. However, your Leawood, KS, dentist can help patients experiencing sleep apnea by fitting them with an oral mouthguard to wear at night.
Why Is This Happening To Me?
Sleep apnea may be affecting you for one or more of several reasons. First, it happens in all ranges, and second, it does not care which gender you are. Other factors in your life that may increase the risk of it happening to you include smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight, your ethnicity, having a small jaw, having a large neck, and genetics.
I Fall Into Some Of Those Categories. What Signs Should I Look For?
The first sign that you may be suffering from it is that you constantly snore all night. Also, ask a loved one in the morning if you stopped breathing or gasped for breath repeatedly throughout the night. Some of its symptoms include being tired during the day, experiencing a dry mouth, having a headache when you wake up, finding it hard to focus your attention for a consistent length of time, and getting up to use the bathroom a lot during the night.
What Can I Do To Treat It?
Make an appointment to visit your Leawood, KS, dentist today. We will fit you with a custom-designed, comfortable mouthpiece that you wear while you sleep. Designed to reduce snoring, it holds your jaw forward, preventing tissues from collapsing in your airway. There are two types of mouthpieces: mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining. The first one covers the top and bottom teeth and holds the jaw. The second one keeps the tongue positioned forward so that it cannot block your airway.
Anything Else I Can Do?
Other lifestyle choices that you may want to consider include losing weight, reducing how much alcohol you drink, stopping smoking, and trying to sleep on your side at night.
Don’t Miss Out On A Good Night’s Sleep
If you are keeping your loved ones up all night because of chronic snoring, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. We can help. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
