If you struggle with your sleep quality, you’re liable to get a lot of advice across the board. Whether you see a sleep specialist, a general doctor, or a holistic healer, everyone has their own solution about the best way to treat the problem.
Increasingly, though, more people are turning to their dentist to clear up major issues like sleep apnea in Windermere, FL. Here, we’ll look at why this is, and whether you can see your dentist for sleep appliances, like a CPAP.
Sleep Apnea and Your Airways
It may not seem like it, but your airways are very much connected to the position of your teeth and jaw. Whether you’re awake or asleep, even mild misalignments can interfere with the quality of your breathing. And, while you may not notice it when you’re awake, it can certainly become more apparent when the tissues in the back of your throat relax when you’re asleep.
How Does a CPAP Help?
A CPAP machine works by blowing a continuous stream of air into your mouth, preventing the tissues from collapsing and impacting your airways when you’re at rest. However, it’s also one of the more extreme solutions for sleep apnea, and you may be able to find gentler ways to treat the problem, such as braces, clear aligners, or even a mandibular advancement device, which pushes your lower jaw forward for a cleaner airway.
Should I See My Dentist for Sleep Apnea?
You should see your dentist in Windermere, FL if you’re looking for ways to intervene before you need a CPAP machine or if you’re looking to make your CPAP usage a temporary measure only. At Inspired Dental, we can tell you more about your options after a professional evaluation.