Remember to Take out Your Dentures Every Night

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleeping disorder that causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep. This breathing interruption prevents you from getting a night of restful sleep but can also come with other serious side effects. One way to control sleep apnea is with an oral appliance from your dentist. Here are some things you should know if you decide to go this route to help treat your sleep apnea:

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that is characterized by heavy snoring and periods of time in which you do not breathe. This can cause several health issues, including cardiovascular disease, fatigue, and high blood pressure. There are several appliances that are used to treat sleep apnea. The most common appliance is a CPAP machine. This appliance helps deliver air pressure into the lungs during periods of sleep. This helps to keep the air passages open to help prevent snoring. The appliance is worn over the nose while you sleep.

Oral sleep apnea appliances are another option you can consider. These appliances are worn inside the mouth to help keep the throat and airway open. The jaw moves forward to help relieve snoring.

Is Sleeping in an Oral Sleep Apnea Appliance Comfortable?

Although a sleep apnea oral appliance is meant to help you get better rest, wearing it to sleep can take some getting used to. It may feel uncomfortable initially, which seems to defeat the purpose of getting a good night's sleep. One thing you should do to ensure the oral appliance is the most comfortable is to obtain the appliance from your dentist. You may see oral sleep apnea appliances online. However, these appliances are not going to fit and be as comfortable because they are not customized. The oral appliance you get from the dentist will be specially fitted for your mouth. This will ensure the appliance fits you and is as comfortable as possible.

Should You Consider an Oral Appliance for Your Sleep Apnea?

If your sleep apnea is on the milder side, a sleep apnea oral appliance may be for you. Once you take the time to get used to wearing the appliance each night, you will begin to notice the positive benefits to your health it can provide. If you suffer from sleep apnea, be sure to discuss your options with your dentist.