Did you know you can treat sleep apnea at the dentist? At Integrated Dental, we treat sleep apnea in Sarasota, FL, with custom oral appliances as one of our dental concerns. Sleep devices are comfortable, easy to wear, and can help you sleep better without the noise and bulk of traditional CPAP machines. Our team can help you improve your sleep quality, boost your energy, and protect your overall health.
Signs You Have Sleep Apnea
You may not realize you have sleep apnea at first. But if you or your partner notice these signs, it’s time to think about treatment:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing while sleeping
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing, remembering things, or staying alert.
- Irritability or mood changes
When you don’t get enough oxygen or enough sleep, it can be harder to focus during the day. Pauses in breathing can also put stress on the heart and increase your risk of strokes or heart attacks.
How is Sleep Apnea Linked to Dental Health?
Sleep apnea can impact your dental health, too. When you have sleep apnea, you often breathe through your mouth at night. This can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Many people with sleep apnea clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. This condition, called bruxism, can wear down tooth enamel, cause cracked teeth, and even lead to jaw pain or TMJ problems.
By addressing sleep apnea, you’re not only improving your sleep but also protecting your teeth and gums from long-term damage. Dentists play a key role in identifying early signs of sleep apnea. Our office provides treatment to support your overall health and dental health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Sarasota, FL
At Integrated Dental, we treat sleep apnea with custom oral appliances. These devices are designed specifically for your mouth and can be adjusted for comfort and effectiveness. Oral appliances work by gently repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, and soft tissues of the mouth. This helps keep the airway open while you sleep, reducing snoring and preventing pauses in breathing.
The process is simple. First, our team will review your medical and dental history, discuss your symptoms, and assess your airway and bite. We take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a device that fits perfectly.
After the appliance is made, we make small adjustments to ensure comfort and proper alignment. We schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make any necessary modifications.
Oral appliances are quiet, portable, and easy to use, making them an excellent alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines. Many patients notice a difference in their sleep quality within a few nights of starting treatment.
How Do Sleep Appliances Compare to CPAP Machines?
CPAP machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea and can be very effective. They use pressurized air to keep your airway open while you sleep. However, CPAP machines can be bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable, which leads some patients to stop using them.
Sleep appliances, on the other hand, are small, discreet, and fit inside your mouth like a sports mouthguard. They allow you to sleep naturally without a machine, tubing, or mask. Some patients find oral appliances easier to travel with and more convenient to use.
It’s important to note that not all sleep apnea cases can be treated with an oral appliance. Severe cases may still require a CPAP machine. That’s why a comprehensive evaluation by a dentist trained in sleep medicine is essential. At Integrated Dental, we can help you determine the best treatment for your unique needs.
Maintaining Your Sleep Health
In addition to professional treatment, you can take several steps at home to support better sleep and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These lifestyle changes can make a big difference and improve the effectiveness of your oral appliance.
Maintain a healthy weight
Extra weight around your neck and throat can narrow your airway and make it harder to breathe while sleeping. Even losing a small amount of weight can reduce pressure on your airway and help you sleep more comfortably. Combined with treatment from your dentist, maintaining a healthy weight can improve your energy and overall health.
Sleep on your side
The position you sleep in affects your airway. Sleeping on your back can allow your tongue and soft tissues to collapse backward, blocking airflow. By sleeping on your side, you can help keep your airway open and reduce snoring and breathing interruptions at night. Using a supportive pillow can also make side sleeping more comfortable.
Avoid alcohol and sedatives
Alcohol, sleeping pills, and certain medications relax the muscles in your throat. While this might help you fall asleep faster, it can make sleep apnea worse by increasing the risk of airway collapse. Limiting or avoiding these substances before bedtime can help you breathe more easily and sleep more soundly.
Establish a sleep routine
Going to bed and waking up at the same times every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. A consistent sleep schedule can improve your sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue. Try creating a calming bedtime routine. Avoid blue light from your phone or laptop. Instead, activities like reading or stretching can signal to your body that it’s time to rest.
Stay active
Regular exercise strengthens your heart, lungs, and respiratory muscles, which can improve overall breathing. Being active also helps with weight management, which can reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Even light to moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, can have a positive effect on your sleep.
Schedule an Appointment
Your snoring could be a sign of a sleep disorder. Treat sleep apnea in Sarasota, FL. Call 941-398-0609 or request a consultation with us online.