Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s day. A lack of sleep can cause a whole host of problems from health issues to concentration problems and more. Did you know that your dental office can actually help you with your sleep issues? At South Texas Smiles, we’re equipped to diagnose and treat sleep apnea, one of the main sleep issues people suffer from.
Snoring Problems?
If you’ve ever woken yourself or your partner up with your snoring, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Snoring on its own can be a byproduct of other things like weight issues. But it’s also a big symptom of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when your airways collapse while you’re breathing, particularly at night. This collapse causes you to stop breathing for many seconds, and then gasp for air and disrupt your sleep cycle. Sleep apnea can lead to other major health complications besides just a lack of sleep, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Sleep Apnea Testing
Before you jump to conclusions thinking that since you snore, you must have sleep apnea, come see us! We can run some simple tests, or even refer you to a sleep study, to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea. The results of our testing can help inform your treatment plan.
Sleep Apnea Devices
Lifestyle changes are sometimes enough to treat sleep apnea, but if yours is more severe, we may need to come up with another treatment plan that involves a sleep apnea device. At South Texas Smiles, we can set you up with a CPAP machine, which includes a mask worn at night to keep continuous pressure and prevent the airway collapse. If CPAP isn’t right for you, we can also fit you with a mouthpiece to wear at night that aids in keeping the airway open.
Don’t let sleep issues keep you from getting the rest you need and being able to function your best. The team at South Texas Smiles can test and treat sleep issues to help you feel better. Contact us today to schedule a sleep consultation.
