Sleep Apnea: How Your Dentist Can Help
Sleep has a significant impact on our daily lives. Without adequate sleep, we may find it hard to perform daily tasks. Tiredness and fatigue can also take its toll on our appearance, causing under-eye bags and puffiness. It is estimated that 25 million Americans have sleep apnea, which can make a restful night's sleep difficult. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing - for as long as one minute - while asleep. Believe it or not, your dentist may be able to help you manage your sleep apnea with mouth appliances. Dr. Charles Crouch is a Fort Worth dentist who can help patients with this common sleep issue.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Sleep apnea is characterized by snoring and gasping for air while sleeping. A person may also make choking sounds. Men are more likely than women to have sleep apnea. Those who are overweight or have a misaligned jaw or marrow airway are also at a higher risk.
How Your Dentist Can Help
If your doctor diagnoses you with sleep apnea, he or she will likely refer you to a dentist who specializes in oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are proven to be very effective and are much more comfortable than other options such as sleeping masks. Oral appliances are used only at night. They fit in your mouth like a mouth guard or retainer. They work by placing your jaw in a forward position, which helps keep the upper airway open. Many health insurance plans cover oral appliances.
Manage Your Sleep Apnea
Dr. Charles Crouch has decades of experience helping his Fort Worth patients with various issues including sleep apnea. Call his office at (817) 294-8505 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.summitdentalgroupllc.com
