Dental sleep therapy is the practice of treating sleep-related breathing disorders with an oral appliance. Sleep apnea is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that affects many people. Interrupted breathing during sleep causes snoring and gasping for air. Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

At Lake Mountain Dental, a dental sleep appliance is similar to a mouthguard. It repositions the lower jaw to open your airway. This helps relieve snoring, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and bruxism (teeth grinding). It’s also more comfortable than CPAP therapy.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder that is becoming more common. Sleep apnea involves breathing pauses or shallow breaths while sleeping. These pauses might extend from a few seconds to several minutes. Sleep apnea is severe and can cause many health problems. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, and an obstruction in your airway causes it. When your airway is obstructed, air cannot flow into your lungs and the rest of your body. As a result, your brain detects the lack of oxygen and begins waking you up so that you can breathe.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea

Those affected by OSA have pauses in their breathing while they sleep, which can result in them not getting a good night’s rest. It’s common for those suffering from sleep apnea to snore loudly and feel excessively tired during the daytime hours. OSA may also result in them struggling to concentrate at work and driving.

OSA may also be related to other health issues. Those with OSA are at an increased risk for high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Fortunately, OSA can be treated with a customized dental appliance.

How Does Dental Sleep Therapy Work?

If you suffer from snoring or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your dental professional may recommend dental sleep therapy. Dental sleep therapy is an effective option for treating sleep apnea. This treatment involves using a customized oral appliance that you wear at night. These appliances work by positioning your jaw and tongue in a way that prevents obstruction of the airway. This oral appliance will help keep your teeth in place and your tongue away from the back of your throat, alleviating snoring and sleep apnea.

For the best dental treatment, visit Lake Mountain Dental at 4342 E Pony Express Pkwy Eagle Mountain, UT, 84005, or call 801-830-4486.