Your mouth could be trying to tell you something important
Do you find that when you wake in the morning your mouth feels extremely dry? Have you recently visited our office and learned that you have numerous cavities as well as gum disease? If so, you may be suffering from a very common condition — sleep apnea. It is very important to treat sleep apnea as soon as you are diagnosed. The longer you delay treatment, the more you put your oral health and, more importantly, your overall health in danger. We offer one treatment that has tremendous success with a number of our patients. Continue reading to learn more about sleep apnea, how it can harm your health, and this helpful treatment method.
What is Sleep Apnea?
A patient who suffers from sleep apnea is not breathing correctly at night. They will experience multiple periods throughout the night where breathing stops and starts. One of the most common signs that you have sleep apnea is snoring. Other common signs include:
- Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Abrupt waking during the night and shortness of breath
- Sleepiness during the day
Treating Sleep Apnea With a DNA
If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to recurrent dental decay, an increase in blood pressure, and even death. We offer a removable device that gradually stretches the upper arch of your mouth — a DNA. DNA stands for daytime-nighttime appliance, which is used to increase the space in the mouth to allow the tongue to sit comfortably and not block the airway. Similar in appearance to a retainer, a DNA is customized to fit your mouth. Not only does this appliance assist with sleep apnea, but it can also help patients who grind their teeth, one symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD.
If you feel you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, we would love to see you in our office located in Union Square. Dr. Patel can help diagnose sleep apnea and determine if a DNA is the best course of treatment for your needs. We look forward to seeing you soon!
