As a gentle dentistry practice in Clayton, MO, Dr. Winsome Henry-Ward and her team are of the mindset that dental health is directly tied to your overall health. One instance where this is truly apparent is sleep apnea! Sleep apnea is a pesky sleep disorder where your airway is temporarily blocked during sleep, which results in a cessation of breathing for a few seconds, and sometimes up to 30 seconds. You may feel groggy all the time, get regular headaches, dry mouth, irritability. All of these problems, and more serious health issues, arise when you’re dealing with sleep apnea.
While many think, well a sleep issue can only be treated by my medical doctor, that’s not true!
How Dentists Can Help Treat Your Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is caused by the relaxation of the throat muscles that should support the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth in order to keep your airway open. Studies have shown that in some cases sleep apnea can also be caused by jaw misalignment. So while it may seem like something only the doctor can fix, it’s actually very closely tied to your oral health!
After a consultation with the dentist for sleep apnea you’ll learn all about oral appliances for treatment of this condition. The way it works is the dentist will take a mold of your mouth and a mouthpiece, similar to the mouthguard you wore for high school sports, will be crafted just for you. The oral appliance will perfectly fit your mouth in a way that will keep your airways open throughout the night, therefore treating your sleep apnea and reducing symptoms.
It’s a popular choice due to the ease of use and transport, as well as the comfort, compared to traditional CPAP machines! And it’s all prescribed and designed in the dentist’s chair with care.
Ready to Take Control & Say Goodbye to Sleep Apnea Symptoms For Good?
Our website features a lot of helpful information on sleep apnea, like risk factors, symptoms, and details about treatment options. If after reading up on sleep apnea you’re ready to take back control of your health and treat this condition, Dr. Winsome Henry-Ward and her team are ready to assist you. Call 314-862-1118 to set up your sleep apnea consultation in Clayton, MO today!