Alternative Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Angus – Get a Good Night’s Sleep!
Are you one of the millions of people who have their sleep regularly interrupted by snoring or sleep apnea? Or, are you partners with someone with one or both of these conditions? In the past you may have thought that the only option for treatment of these conditions was wearing a CPAP device to help to open your airway. You may be surprised to discover that these conditions can, in some cases, be controlled by wearing a low profile intraoral device similar to a nightguard made by your dentist that helps to reposition the jaw while sleeping. Our dentists at Rainbow Dental Centre here in Angus, Ontario have completed the necessary training required to be able to treat sleep apnea and snoring in mild-moderate cases.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for 10 seconds to a minute or more during sleep. If you have sleep apnea you may find yourself waking up gasping for air or you may be very tired and feel as though you never get enough sleep. Sleep apnea can be a very serious disorder and can cause further health problems down the road. There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Complex Sleep Apnea which is a combination of the first two. The type and severity of sleep apnea is diagnosed by undergoing a sleep study, which can be done in a sleep clinic or in the comfort of your own home.
What causes sleep apnea and snoring?
Sleep apnea and snoring can occur together or separately, but both are extremely disruptive to a good night’s sleep. Risk factors for both conditions are similar and include:
- Carrying excess weight
- Use of alcohol or sedatives
- Enlarged tonsils
- Family history
- Nasal congestion
- Medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, history of stroke, hormonal disorders and lung conditions such as asthma
How can sleep apnea be treated?
Once a diagnosis of type and severity of sleep apnea has been determined, there may be multiple options for treatment. These treatment options may include using a CPAP machine for sleeping or having a custom appliance created that treats the problem by advancing the lower jaw (Mandibular Advancement Device, or MAD) to prevent obstruction while sleeping. The results of your sleep study will help to determine which treatment option is right for you. Long term effects of sleep apnea and snoring include reduced mental clarity, waking up with a dry mouth, headache and increased risk of heart disease. Sleep apnea is a serious condition.
If you think you may have sleep apnea or snore, don’t hesitate to book an exam with our dental team to see if an oral appliance will help. Rainbow Dental Centre is your partner in good oral and overall health. Give us a call to schedule today!
Rainbow Dental Centre 1 Water Street Angus, ON, L0M 1B0 Canada 705 424 0873 or angusrainbowdental@gmail.com
