Sleep Apnea
A good night's rest is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, but not everyone finds it easy to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Sleep disorders have unfortunately been on the rise in the last few decades, leading many to search for ways to finally get some rewarding shut eye. While insomnia and restless leg syndrome are common sleep disorders which affect millions, sleep apnea is another that doesn't typically get as much attention. This sleep disorder is diagnosed as the repeated stopping and starting of breathing while asleep, the most prevalent symptom of it is snoring and it is usually treated using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device, but your dentist might actually have a better solution. Yes. That is correct. Your dentist may just be able to help you deal away with sleep apnea once and for all. Here's how:
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
Most dentists are trained to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea and provide recommendations that can help their patients sleep better and wake up feeling rejuvenated. For example, your dentist will likely recommend you change your sleeping position, lose a little weight and/or quit smoking in order to see if these small changes help.
Customized Dental Appliances
If you are still suffering from sleep apnea, your dentist will probably then suggest having a customized dental appliance made. These dental pieces look like an athletic mouthguard but they re-position your jaw and tongue in order to improve airflow as you catch some zzz's.
Sleep apnea is easily treatable as long as you have the right people on your side. If you are experiencing any of the early signs of sleep apnea, including headaches, stiffness, dry mouth and snoring, it's best to inform your dentist on your next visit to see what he or she recommends.
If you have a question about Sleep Apnea in Fairfax Virginia, give our Fairfax Dentist a call and our friendly staff will guide you through some possible dental solutions. Let us get you on the road to good health in our Fairfax dental office. We also have dental offices in South Riding, VA. Contact us today!