What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea And How Can My Dentist Help?

In the United States, we are facing a serious public health crisis when it comes to the quality and quantity of sleep. In our overworked era, people often feel that sleep is a secondary priority and put it off as much as possible. This can have serious — and tragic — health effects.

However, what happens when you are trying your best to fall asleep, but you simply can’t do it? While there are many different forms of sleeping disorders, at least one of them is something that you can resolve with the help of your dentist: Sleep apnea.

Most Sleep Apnea Patients Have No Idea They Have It

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition defined by a “collapse’ of part of the airway when you are sleeping. This collapse can be caused by the shape or structure of the airway itself. In some rare cases, it can be exacerbated by other conditions.

Sleep apnea can come on at any age, although the risks increase as we get older. Most people don’t know that they have sleep apnea, because they are only partially alert when they feel its effects: The airway “collapses,” breathing becomes difficult, and the sufferer briefly awakens.

It is hard to remember these brief wakeful periods, but they cut into the depth and amount of sleep that you can get at night. That makes living with sleep apnea a challenge, which can be just as problematic as some of the more well-known sleep disorders.

However, your dentist can help. By using a very straightforward dental appliance that you apply at night, the flesh that causes airway obstruction can be kept in check throughout the night. This can result in the elimination of sleep apnea symptoms, including poor sleep and snoring.

You’ve Got Your Diagnosis, Now Get Your Relief With A Great Night’s Sleep

Millions of people all over the United States deal with sleeping problems, and isolating the issues that lead to them can be very difficult. At least in the case of sleep apnea, however, the diagnosis can be a relief: Because it can be treated easily using the help of your dentist.

At Community Dental Group, we’ve helped thousands of people across California communities to reclaim deep, healthy sleep by combatting sleep apnea. We can do the same for you, often in as little as a single visit to our office.

To learn more about our sleep apnea treatments or other services, call or email us today. We will always go the extra mile to help you — whether you’re in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, or elsewhere in California.