Your Dentist can treat Sleep Apnea

According to the CDC, sleep deprivation is a public health crisis. Sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome are key sleep disorders that cause serious health problems and decrease your quality of life. It might seem strange to discuss sleep issues with your dentist, but many people grind their teeth during the night, which leads to poor oral health. Sleep apnea, which your Colorado Springs dentist can treat, increases the risk of many health issues.

Sleep apnea causes you to have a dry mouth, because you sleep with your mouth open. This, too, can lead to poor oral health. You may wake up with a headache. Many people with sleep apnea have unexplained fatigue or mood swings. Snoring can occur with sleep apnea, but many people who snore don’t have sleep apnea and many people with sleep apnea do not snore. Another common symptom of sleep apnea is that partners do not sleep well.

Researchers have linked sleep apnea to higher risks of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart attacks. Once, sleep apnea was thought to be an adult male disease, but today, doctors are seeing it in adult women and even in children. Oral health professionals understand the link between sleep and good health. Your dentist is concerned about your overall wellness, not only your teeth.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Traditional treatments for sleep apnea have been a CPAP device, which forces air through your airway, keeping breathing while you sleep.  A mandibular advancement device may also be prescribed and made by your local dentist.  

Your dentists at HollowBrook Dental have training and access to even more advanced technology to identify the root cause of your sleeping problems and treat sleep apnea and restricted airways in a whole new way.  

If you have trouble sleeping, snore, grind your teeth in your sleep, or don’t feel rested in the morning, please tell your dentist, you will be glad you did.  Call us today to learn more.