Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder that can disrupt all aspects of one's life. Not getting enough and good quality sleep can affect both your general and mental health in the long run.
So, recently, someone suggested wearing a night guard to manage your condition. Does it really work? Can this device help with your sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops while you sleep. It can significantly disrupt sleep and lead to various health problems.
Some signs that you may be dealing with sleep apnea include:
There are two types of sleep apnea (obstructive and central) and each can be caused by several factors. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, things like a narrowed airway, being male, your age, family history, use of alcohol, smoking, and medical conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes can increase your risks.
Central sleep apnea has to do with how well your brain sends signals to your muscles and can be caused by heart failure, stroke, and opioid use.
Yes, a night guard can help some people with sleep apnea, particularly those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Here's how this orthodontic device works.
Night guards are custom-made to perfectly fit your mouth and reposition your jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
It's important to understand that for this device to work, it needs to be custom-made by a professional such as Dr. Berry. You can find night guards online too but those are one-size-to-fit-all appliances and will have little to no effect on your condition.
In addition to creating a night guard that is perfect for you, Dr. Berry will also tell you more about what to expect while wearing it, how to make the most out of this treatment, and how to manage any side effects.
You also need to understand that a night guard is not a magic cure. Sleep apnea can't be cured, but it can be managed and a custom-made night guard can be a good solution.
In more severe cases, you may need CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy to manage your condition.
Dr. Berry and the amazing team at Berry Dental Group can provide personalized sleep apnea treatment in Mt. Juliet so that you can get more zzz’s at night and improve your daily life.
If you want to find out what we can do for you, contact us now and request an appointment. You can also call us at (615) 758-2085 for a short chat.
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