Do we need to describe what it is like to slog through the day after a bad night’s rest? We’ve all been there; the grogginess, the aches, and a desperate hope that caffeine can carry us through the day. For some of us, there is a single culprit to blame for the restless nights: sleep apnea.
Thankfully, your friends at Fairchance Dental Arts can provide a straightforward solution to sleep apnea and how it can keep you from getting the proper rest for a productive day. Your oral health has a unique relationship with sleep, especially when it comes to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea
It would be difficult to discuss a solution without understanding the problem. So let’s begin with sleep apnea and what it is exactly. Many of us might have heard of it before because it is surprisingly common. According to the American Medical Association, six million Americans are diagnosed with sleep apnea but 30 million actually live with it!
Why is that number so high? Because sleep apnea comes in a variety of forms and can be affected by weight gain to hormonal imbalances. However, what we will be focusing on is the most common type: obstructive sleep apnea.
Just as the name implies, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction to your airways. This can be from a softening of your palette, movement of your tongue, or the placement of your jaw while you sleep.
How Does This Impact My Sleep?
The largest concern with obstructive sleep apnea is not getting enough oxygen while sleeping. Your airflow is being restricted after all! However, your body has natural responses to wake you up when it feels something is wrong. This can be something like chronic snoring, getting up frequently to use the restroom, or tossing and turning all night. You may find yourself waking up multiple times a night.
Simply put, your body is not letting you get the deep, rejuvenating sleep it needs because your airflow becomes obstructed. The lack of this restful sleep can be problematic, causing issues like:
- Dry mouth in the mornings
- Frequent morning headaches
- Inconsistent sleep cycle (insomnia)
- Trouble staying awake without caffeine or naps (hypersomnia)
- Excessive grogginess
- General exhaustion
- Irritability
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be one of the millions suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Consider contacting our office, where we have a fantastic dental team with over a decade of experience treating sleep-related issues.
Our Straightforward Dental Solution
Now that we better understand sleep apnea and how it can impact our sleep cycle, let’s get into how to get a better night’s sleep! You deserve the deep, restorative rest that is important for both body and mind and allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to handle whatever the day brings.
Now, what kind of miracle are we talking about? Some sort of machine? Complex headgear? Oral surgery? Nope!
By combining state-of-the-art dental technology with our sleep treatment expertise, Fairchance Dental Arts can create a custom oral appliance that can keep your airways open at night. Similar to a mouthguard in design, this device is sleek, low maintenance, and easy to carry and use.
Just place it on your teeth when you’re ready for bed, and enjoy a night of unobstructed breathing.
Schedule Your Airway Dentistry Consultation Today
Fairchance Dental Arts has always been your home for a beaming smile, but we can help you achieve nearly any dental goal to improve your well-being. That is why we provide a wide range of wonderful services like airway dentistry, so you can get the restful sleep you deserve.
To schedule your airway dentistry consultation, contact our office today. We are available over the phone or by email. You can even schedule a virtual consultation.
