OSA stands for obstructive sleep apnea. It is a common sleep disorder that can lead to a higher risk of health complications like heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. Obstructive sleep apnea can sound like simple snoring except that is marked with frequent gasps for air and pauses for breathing. To determine that you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may need to talk to your doctor who may confirm with a sleep study. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may find that a custom-designed mouth guard is your best option for treatment.
Why Treat OSA?
If you sleep alone and your snoring bothers no one else, you may be wondering why sleep apnea should even be treated? OSA causes more harm than just loud snoring that could keep your loved ones awake. Sleep apnea is when the soft tissues of your mouth collapse into your throat to block your airway. The blockage causes you to lose oxygen to your bloodstream. Your body will wake up to clear the blockage and prevent suffocation. You may not remember waking up, but it will affect your sleep cycle. You may feel tired even after a full night of sleep. The lack of oxygen in your bloodstream night after night may lead to high blood pressure, which increases your risk of other serious health complications.
How Does a Mouth Guard Treat It?
Your dentist can custom-create an oral appliance shaped like a mouth guard for you to wear while you sleep. The bottom part of the mouth guard will gently pull the bottom ridge of your jaw forward. This will bring your tongue forward and open your throat up; both of which will prevent the airway blockages that are caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Your dentist will create the appliance to fit the exact needs of your mouth, which will make it much more comfortable to sleep while you are wearing it.
Do you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea?
Talk to Dr. Carmona about treatment options for OSA. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Carmona at Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
