The role of dentists in Sleep Apnea

DynamiteSmiles.com

Still tired?

• Do you find that you wake up tired and are exhausted during the day?

• Have people told you that your snore or grind your teeth?

• It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

• Sleep Apnea is a chronic sleep disorder

• During your sleep your breathing takes unusual pauses

• When you are sleeping you also might grind your teeth as your mouth opens and closes to get air

Who is impacted by Sleep Apnea?

• Everyone can get Sleep Apnea, including children

• Children with enlarged tonsils are more vulnerable to suffer from Sleep Apnea

• There also are multiple different types of Sleep Apnea you could be suffering from

Types of Sleep Apnea

• The first type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is the most common form. Airways get blocked and cause breathing issues

• Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send the right messages for muscles to regulate breathing

• The third type is Complex Sleep Apnea and is a combination of the two

How can a dentist help?

• Your dentist can suggest you use a Constant Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) which is a mask to sleep in

• Surgical intervention will allow a dentist to remove the obstruction

• OAT: Oral Appliance Therapy which is an appliance to help your lower jaw move open when you sleep

Sleep help

• There are many ways a dentist can help you get a better nights sleep.

• For more information on emergency dental care Bucks County, PA or ways to fight Sleep Apnea check out our website.