Not many people are aware that a dentist can help you deal with your sleep apnea related problems. Many still wonder how could these two be connected. Before we can understand the connection between the two, we should first understand what sleep apnea is all about. Sleep apnea is described as a life-threatening disorder whereby the person suffering from this condition stops breathing for ten seconds or more during sleep. Many such cycles happen within a single night’s sleep. This results in a number of other problems including fatigue, dryness of mouth, reduced efficiency due to poor sleep, etc. In most cases, the patient’s dentist will be the first person to identify this problem.

Some of the indicators that you could be having sleep apnea including snoring, headaches, etc. Your dentist will be able to identify the condition easily and provide you with suitable solutions. The extensiveness or the severity of the condition will vary from person to person. The treatment options too vary accordingly.

If the problem is mild, you will be able to overcome the issue with small behavioral changes including changing your sleeping postures. If you are a smoker then you are very likely to have sleep apnea and quitting your smoking habit will help you overcome the problem. Overweight could be another reason for sleep apnea. Losing weight will help you reduce the sleep apnea problem.

The use of certain dental appliances will also help you recover from sleep apnea. The idea behind this sleep apnea dental appliance is to reposition your jaw and the tongue while sleeping so that there is no obstruction in the airflow. These dental appliances are easy to use and are very effective. You will have to however use this appliance regularly if you want to really benefit.

If you have advanced sleep apnea, then more rigorous measures need to be taken. In such cases, the treatment may include the use of CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. In some cases, it may even require a surgery.

If you suspect sleep apnea, it is best to get yourself examined immediately so that you do not ignore this life-threatening condition for too long. Experienced dentists like Dr. Maxwell Francis will be able to help you deal with this problem in the most effective way. Dealing with sleep apnea in the early stages is much easier like any other health condition. Allowing the condition to progress and advance will only make things difficult for you.

Here are some symptoms that you should watch for, excessive sleepiness during daytime, headaches in the morning, emotional imbalance, irritability, snoring, gasping during sleep, dry mouth, and sore throat. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, get immediate medical attention. Your dentist can help you resolve this issue; get your dentist’s appointment right away. You need not have to panic however, this condition can be treated easily. You just need to find an experienced dentist who can help you deal with sleep apnea using appropriate appliances.