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Are you tired, stressed out, and moody? Interrupted sleep could be to blame. People who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods of time while they are asleep. This condition interrupts the kind of deep sleep that is necessary to help you feel fully rested. For many patients, non-surgical dental appliances have proven to be the most effective solution for sleep apnea. Your Rye Brook dentist, Dr. Chi Fu is the best professional to fit you for this customized mouth guard.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is one of the most common types of sleep apnea. In this condition, the lack of adequate breath during sleep reduces airflow in 10-second to one-minute intervals and causes the brain to tell the body to wake up and breathe. Some sufferers wake completely, and others move into a lighter stage of sleep.
There could be several factors to blame for obstructive sleep apnea which is, essentially, an airway blockage. Airway obstruction is the most likely culprit. During sleep, your muscles relax, which allows your throat’s soft tissues to collapse and restrict breathing. Sleep apnea and teeth grinding are also linked, and sleep bruxism could be a side effect of sleep apnea.
Undiagnosed sleep apnea is incredibly detrimental to overall health and well-being. In severe cases, sleep apnea can be life-threatening. Your body needs adequate rest so that your brain, heart, and other vital organs can restore themselves. Even if you are diligent about a sleep schedule and go to bed early every night, sleep apnea can ruin your rest.
Sleep apnea can contribute to health problems such as:
Then there is the matter of daily living. Daytime sleepiness can make it far more dangerous for you to drive. Your reflexes will be slower and your level of alertness will be reduced. The fatigue and stress can make it difficult for you to concentrate and affect your memory.
Sleep apnea can be a sneaky condition and difficult to diagnose on your own. You may be able to explain away your exhaustion – you have young children, you’ve been working too much, you’re coming down with a cold, you go to bed too late – but when there is no explanation for the fatigue, you must consider sleep apnea.
Learn how to recognize the common signs of sleep apnea which can include:
Your Chester Hill dentist is an expert in the innerworkings of your mouth and jaw and he can recognize signs of undiagnosed sleep apnea, such as:
After a thorough examination and a few tests, your dentist can determine whether you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who have his condition usually prefer non-surgical methods to alleviate the problem, and some studies have shown that some dental devices are more effective than surgical therapies.
Some dental appliances reposition the tongue or lower jawbone. The goal with an oral appliance is to support your jaw so that it is resting in a more forward position. This is the key to keep airways open during sleep. These custom-fit devices are like night guards. They are designed to keep the airway open by fitting over the upper and lower teeth to realign the jaw’s position and tongue. A nasal mask that delivers air to the nasal passages during sleep is also a viable option.
If you suspect that you may have undiagnosed sleep apnea, visit Dr. Fu in Rye, NY, to undergo a consultation. You can protect your teeth – and your life – by treating your sleep apnea problem. Our Chester Hill dental office proudly serves the residents of Rye, Westchester, Port Chester, Rye Brook, and surrounding areas, including Greenwich, CT.
Are you looking for a Rye NY Dentist? Visit Chester Hill Dentistry in Portchester, Westchester NY with Dr. Chi Fu today! Serving the areas of Port Chester NY, Rye Brook NY, Greenwich CT and beyond!