Sleep Apnea And Sleep Appliances

If you find yourself regularly waking up with a headache, having a dry mouth throughout the day, or finding it difficult to focus your attention for a long time, then you may be one of more than 18 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that continually interrupts a person’s breathing while sleeping.

 

Why Does It Happen?

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Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and genders. Certain factors in patients’ lives may increase its risk. These include being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, ethnicity, the size of the jaw or neck, and genetics. Chronic snoring is a major sign that you may be experiencing sleep apnea. You may want to ask a loved one to let you know if you’re snoring or gasping for breath while you sleep.

 

How We Can Help

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If you suffer from sleep apnea, we can fit you with a custom-designed mouthpiece to help reduce snoring by maintaining an open airway. There are two types: mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining. The first type goes over the top and bottom teeth, holding the jaw. The second one holds your tongue in a forward position so that your airway isn’t blocked. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule A Consultation With Us

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Sleep apnea, if left untreated, could lead to such issues as memory loss, diabetes, and heart disease. We can help by fitting you with a mouthguard. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.

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