It may seem unusual to see your dentist if you’re dealing with a sleep disorder, but the muscles in your mouth affect your breathing, which in turn can affect how restful your sleep is. At Bella Vista Family Dental, we provide personalized sleep apnea treatment to help you experience a good night’s sleep—and to help reduce your risk of health concerns associated with the disorder.

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What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where someone frequently stops breathing for brief periods as they sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. With the former, breathing ceases because of a blocked airway. With the latter, breathing stops because the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles.

Treating sleep apnea is important not just because it allows you to enjoy more restful sleep. The disorder has been connected to a number of other serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

Wondering how you can know if you have sleep apnea if it occurs while you’re sleeping? There are a few common signs and symptoms you can look out for when you’re awake, or that you can ask your partner to look out for while you’re asleep.

  • Loud/frequent snoring
  • Sore or dry throat in the morning
  • Morning headaches
  • Drowsiness or lack of energy during the day
  • Mood changes or irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Forgetfulness

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you are concerned you have sleep apnea, we can make recommendations for a sleep study. If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard or retainer, for you to wear. This appliance is designed to reposition your jaw to allow for unobstructed airflow. Many patients find this solution to be much more comfortable and convenient compared to the traditional sleep apnea treatment option, the CPAP machine.