One of the largest sleep concerns lies in sleep apnea, and this particularly can frighten loved ones. This is the term for momentary pauses in breath overnight, most likely due to an obstruction in the airway. Blocking oxygen reception has serious long-term health effects,including an elevated risk of stroke and heart attack. But in your daily life, you may experience struggles such as tiredness early in the day, or dry mouth. Today, your Baxter, MN dentist stresses the importance of sleep maintenance. If you are suffering blindly from an overnight disorder, don’t let it continue!
You Might Not Even Know
Many people suffer from sleep apnea, as one of the most common forms of sleep disorders. Current estimates place the number at around 30 million Americans with this condition. Due to its nature, though, only about 6 million are diagnosed. This is a problem that is gaining awareness, and the numbers are rising, as well.
So if you feel shame or embarrassment, let it go as much as you can. Snoring may seem like a funny thing to some, but apnea is a fundamentally dangerous situation that should be treated. Often, patients will need to restructure this within their mind, as for years, it felt more like an inconvenience.
You Could Be Doing Harm
Sleep apnea is not simply a nuisance, but a serious medical condition that needs to be treated by trained medical professionals. This most often arises when the muscles of our throat relax during our deep REM sleep. When these soften, they can collapse onto each other, blocking your airway.
In turn, then, you are limiting your acceptance of oxygen to the brain. When this compounds over months and years, it can lead to serious problems with your overall health. Blood pressure is higher in apnea patients, as well as a higher risk of stroke or heart attack.
Taking Control
Traditional apnea treatment can be large and obtrusive. CPAP machines, for instance, are the constant subject of sitcom jokes and movie gags. While some of this is certainly overblown, the concept stands that people find it hard to sleep with a large, noisy machine next to you.
This is why a custom mouthguard may be a fantastic solution for you! This is a non-surgical method that achieves success through positioning your jaw slightly forward. This can be a fantsastic way for many to address their apnea without a hassle!
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.