Many sufferers of sleep apnea are prescribed a CPAP machine for nighttime treatment. This machine forces air into the mouth through a mask that is worn while sleeping. While this treatment is usually effective, it can be too cumbersome for some patients. Often, Dr. Cory Gaunt can prescribe a much less invasive solution for sleep apnea treatment in Spokane, WA. Downriver Smiles provides custom mouthguards for sleep apnea treatment.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA
Understanding the signs of sleep apnea is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include loud and chronic snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, long pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other less noticeable signs might include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, mood changes such as irritability or depression, and waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be an indication that you are experiencing sleep apnea, and it is advisable to seek a professional evaluation.
RISK FACTORS FOR SLEEP APNEA
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. These include obesity, which leads to excessive fat deposits that can obstruct the airway; a naturally narrow airway; having a large tongue, tonsils, or uvula; a family history of sleep apnea; use of alcohol or sedatives that relax the muscles in the throat; smoking, which can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the airway; and certain endocrine and neuromuscular disorders. Age and gender also play a role, with middle-aged and older men being at higher risk, although women’s risk increases after menopause.
SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT
Most patients with sleep apnea have excess tissue that partially blocks their airway while sleeping, which causes snoring and sleep apnea. A custom mouthguard that holds the jaw in a certain position keeps the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe normally without restrictions. This simple solution for sleep apnea is easier to endure than a mask over the face, and it is much more affordable.
Dr. Gaunt uses our 3D cone beam scanner to obtain precise digital images of your mouth and jaw, which the dental lab then uses to create your custom mouthguard or nightguard. When it is ready, Dr. Gaunt will ensure the fit is comfortable and instruct you on how to wear the nightguard and how to keep it clean and sanitized.
RELIEF FROM SNORING & TEETH GRINDING
Custom nightguards can also be a great relief for those who snore or grind their teeth at night. This is something that may bother your sleep partner more, as they are usually the ones awakened by your noisy, nocturnal habits. Plus, teeth grinding wears down the enamel on your teeth and can lead to oral problems like tooth decay and jaw misalignment.
Relief from snoring and teeth grinding, as well as treatment for sleep apnea, are all benefits of custom-designed and created nightguards from Downriver Smiles. Many of our Spokane, WA patients have been able to improve their sleep and overall health by using a custom mouthguard while sleeping at night.
If you or a loved one snores, grinds teeth at night, or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact us at Downriver Smiles. We can determine in a private consultation if a custom mouthguard would help the condition.
