Sleep apnea is an all-too-common disorder that disrupts your body during sleep and can impact you throughout the next day. Our Nashua, NH dental office helps patients diagnose and manage sleep apnea problems often without using a CPAP. Keep reading to hear more about it, and then be sure to call us at 603-546-7460 to arrange for your oral appliance consultation appointment.
How Does Sleep Apnea Occur?
Sleep apnea is what happens whenever you experience pauses in breathing while sleeping. Truth be told, this issie can strike anyone at any age, but men over 40 seem to have the highest risk.
One of the most common signs is aggressive snoring, but people with sleep apnea also wake up with headaches or constantly feel wiped out during the day, in spite of getting what should be more than enough hours in bed.
There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common and the one that dentists can help with.
This is a pretty big deal that goes well beyond the inconvenience caused by snoring. You see, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of other more serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and even stroke. Some folks have even died from sleep apnea complications.
Here at Nashua Family Dentistry we are using a comfortable oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment works right away and reduces the risks of sleep apnea problems. Plus, it is more portable and less obtrusive than a CPAP machine.
So, the takeaway is that you need to come see us right away if you suspect that you are in the throes of sleep apnea. You will also want to avoid any activities that intensify this condition.
How To Keep From Making Sleep Apnea Worse
Watch your weight! Obesity is on the rise in America, and weight gain is directly related to sleep apnea. People with a large neck size (18 inches in men and 17 inches in women) face a higher risk of sleep apnea. Weight is an issue because obstructive sleep apnea occurs whenever soft tissue blocks the airway. Packing on pounds can make this issue worse.
Don’t drink alcohol! Alcohol consumption relaxes the muscles in the body, and drinking alcohol can cause soft tissues to relax and block the airway.
Treat your high blood pressure! Sleep apnea episodes cause a significant rise in blood pressure, and if you’re not treating blood pressure, you increase the risk of sleep apnea. It’s a viscious cycle when neither are addressed. But it can also be a two way street of mutual relief.
Don’t invest in cheap over-the-counter nightguards! As we said, we’re treating sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance that moves the lower jaw forward, but bad nightguards can actually make sleep apnea worse. That would be such a pity.
Call Now To Schedule Your Visit
Nashua Family Dentistry is here to help treat your sleep apnea issues and restore your total body health. To take the next step toward a better quality of life, call Nashua Family Dentistry today at 603-546-7460 or fill out our online form to request an appointment in Nashua, NH.