Millions of people throughout the U.S. suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, so if you are struggling with it today, know that you are not alone. Our caring and professional team of dental experts in our Pocatello, ID, office are ready to come alongside you in your journey to recapturing a good night’s sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The cause of obstructive sleep apnea is actually quite simple for a condition that can wreak such havoc on your life and health. Basically, the muscles around your tongue and throat relax too much when you lay down and sleep, and the flow of air to your lungs gets blocked. This is why you may often wake up in the middle of the night gasping and choking for breath. Many doctors prescribe a CPAP machine or surgery to solve the problem, but surgery isn’t the right solution for everyone, and a CPAP machine comes with a number of pesky side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Nasal irritation
- Stomach discomfort
Plus, many people simply find sleeping in a CPAP mask intolerable. It can be embarrassing, claustrophobic, and uncomfortable, disrupting your life in a number of ways. Fortunately, there are alternatives. After you’ve talked to your doctor about your symptoms and received an official diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, call Endeavor Dental Group. Our team of experienced professionals can tell you more about oral appliances that just might change your life.
How an Oral Appliance Helps
When you call, we will set an appointment for you to be fit for one of the two most common devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea: the mandibular advancement device or the tongue retaining advice. The first looks like a mouth guard, and it quite effectively accomplishes two purposes: it moves your jaw and tongue forward and away from the back of your throat, and it increases the size of your airway. The second appliance is more like a splint that holds your tongue in place, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
We invite you to reach out to our Pocatello, ID, office today to find out which of these options might be right for your particular case. We are looking forward to helping you!
