Approximately 12 million people in the US suffer from sleep apnea in Thousand Oaks. Currently, there are a variety of treatment options to help cope with this problem, but you may not have considered visiting your dentist for help. Sleep apnea in Thousand Oaks can be treated by a dentist.
What It Is
Sleep apnea happens when you stop breathing for a very short amount of time. You don’t know it’s going on, but it can last up to 10 seconds. It can happen when your soft tissues and muscles relax too much while sleeping, which blocks the airways from getting air. Primarily, breathing machines are used to keep the airways open while sleeping, but dentists can also help, as well.
How Dentists Help
Because the condition affects your airways and not your teeth or gums, many people are surprised to learn that dentists can help. However, they can design oral appliances that will perfectly fit your mouth. Oral appliance therapy requires a dentist to take a cast of your teeth and mouth, then create a plastic or silicone device to support your mouth while sleeping so that your muscles can’t relax too much.
It makes sense to have your dentist help with treatment options since they know your mouth better than anyone else.
Technically, you will still suffer from the condition, but won’t have the ill effects, such as stopped breathing, during the night. Likewise, you may find that you can get more rest and wake up refreshed instead of more tired.
Visit the TMJ Sleep & Therapy Centre now to request an appointment.
