If you have sleep apnea, then you might be wondering how it can be treated. While the most common treatment is a CPAP machine, there are other treatments available to you as well. Making lifestyle changes or getting a dental appliance can both be options to treat your sleep apnea. The right treatment for you will depend on the level of severity of your sleep apnea as well as your personal preferences.
Sometimes, sleep apnea is not severe and making some lifestyle changes can help. For example, nasal allergies can cause sleep apnea symptoms. Treatment for allergies can help with sleep apnea. People who are overweight can also be at a higher risk of sleep apnea. The excess tissue around the throat can fall toward the airway and close it off. In this case, losing weight can help alleviate symptoms. It is also a good idea to quit smoking.
In this type of therapy, good for moderate to severe sleep apnea, a machine will maintain air pressure in a patient’s airway. The patient will wear a mask while sleeping. The air pressure that this machine can provide is higher than the rest of the air, which is enough to keep the airway open. This can prevent sleep apnea and snoring.
One of the problems with this machine, however, is that some people do not find it to be comfortable. It can also be difficult to use. Some people find that the straps are too difficult to adjust. A doctor can make adjustments to the machine to help it be more comfortable for patients. However, sometimes, a CPAP machine does not work well for everyone.
Dental appliances can be easier to use than CPAP machines. These are designed to bring the jaw forward and keep the airway open. Other types of oral appliances can help keep the tongue in place. Other dental devices can do both of these things. This is a good option for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
A dentist can provide a variety of different types of oral devices. The patient will be able to try on different ones to find one that is comfortable. The dentist can then customize the device for each patient. A patient will need to follow up with the dentist after getting an oral appliance during the first year. This will help the dentist to see that the appliance still fits well.
No matter what your sleep apnea symptoms are, it is important to get them treated as soon as possible. This will prevent your sleep apnea from worsening and causing serious health problems. If you have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, then a dental device may help you. A dentist can help you determine if a dental appliance may be right for treating your sleep apnea. Contact a dentist today to find out how an appliance can help you.
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