Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes a person’s breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and even more serious health problems if left untreated. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, it’s not the only option available. For some patients, visiting a Bournemouth dentist can provide relief and improved sleep quality.
Here’s how Bournemouth dentists can help patients with sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Bournemouth dentists can provide oral appliance therapy, which involves the use of custom-made dental devices that help keep the airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are typically small, comfortable, and easy to wear, and they can be helpful for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy or who prefer a non-invasive treatment option.
Oral appliances work by repositioning the jaw and tongue, or by holding the lower jaw and tongue in a forward position while sleeping, which helps keep the airway open. While some online retailers advertise over-the-counter oral appliances, it’s important to get a custom-made device from a qualified Bournemouth dentist who can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Lifestyle Counseling and Education
Bournemouth dentists can also provide lifestyle counseling and education to patients with sleep apnea. This can include information on healthy sleep habits, such as creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.
Additionally, Bournemouth dentists can provide information and advice on lifestyle changes and modifications that can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. For example, some patients may benefit from losing weight, quitting smoking, or avoiding sleeping on their backs.
Snoring Treatment
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, and while it’s not always harmful, it can be disruptive and affect sleep quality. Bournemouth dentists can provide treatment for snoring that also helps improve sleep apnea symptoms. This may include the use of oral appliances, surgery, or lifestyle modifications.
For patients who snore but don’t have sleep apnea, Bournemouth dentists can provide treatment options to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
Collaboration with Sleep Specialists
Bournemouth dentists can also work with sleep specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with sleep apnea. This may include a combination of CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, lifestyle modifications, and other treatments as needed.
By collaborating with sleep specialists, Bournemouth dentists can ensure that patients receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for their sleep apnea, and that progress is monitored and adjustments are made as needed.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to a range of health problems and affect a person’s quality of life. While CPAP therapy is the most common treatment, Bournemouth dentists can provide effective and non-invasive options for patients who can’t tolerate or prefer not to use CPAP therapy. By providing oral appliance therapy, lifestyle counseling, snoring treatment, dentist bournemouth and collaborating with sleep specialists, Bournemouth dentists can help patients with sleep apnea improve their sleep quality and overall health.