Sleep Difficulties
Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder that can impact people of all ages, but typically develops in adults 55 and older. As people sleep, the soft tissues in the back of their mouth and in their throats collapse, cutting off airflow. People stop breathing briefly, and the brain wakes them once the drop in oxygen is detected. While they sometimes wake up gasping for air or choking, most of the time people don’t realize these episodes happen. But the cessation of breathing interrupts the sleep cycle, and leaves sufferers exhausted. Factors behind it can include issues with the growth and development of the smile and oral structures, as well as obesity, neck circumference, sinus and allergy issues, or a deviated septum.
The Impacts on Kids and Adults
With kids, this could leave them exhausted. As a result, they will be moody and more likely to act out during school and at home, which prevents them from reaching many of their educational and emotional milestones. For adults, this leads to moodiness, trouble focusing on tasks at work or school, dry mouth and headaches, and strain on the immune system and the cardiovascular system too. Which is why when you suffer from sleep apnea you need to seek treatment to protect your overall health and your quality of life.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
While a CPAP machine is an effective means of treating sleep apnea and helping you breathe throughout the night, many people find the device difficult and cumbersome. Which is why we offer an alternative with an oral appliance. The device is custom-made and fitted for your smile, and is worn as you sleep. Fitting like a mouthguard, this actually helps move the jaw and tongue forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues at night, so you breathe without interruption and feel rested and alert the next day. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat sleep apnea in kids and adults, then contact our team today to learn more.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Sleep Apnea In Wheaton, IL
Our team wants to help you enjoy good oral health and a better night’s rest with oral appliance therapy. To learn more about improving how you sleep, or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at Wheaton Dental Sleep Center at (630)665-5555.