Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea

By Marcie Goodman


Dental appliances for sleep apnea relief are really anti-snoring devices, but they seem to alleviate many symptoms of this disorder. They have been used for more than ten years, proving their effectiveness in clinical trials. There are several types of this serious condition, and the devices help with the 'obstructive' sort. People with this condition can also help themselves with some lifestyle changes that compliment medical treatments.

Sleep apnea is a condition which causes interrupted breathing during sleep. Those afflicted with this problem may stop breathing for ten seconds or more; severe cases may see many interruptions per minute. This serious disorder results in daytime fatigue and sleepiness, and it often causes irritability, difficulty in performing routine tasks, and depression.

A small number of cases of apnea are caused by brain malfunction, but most are throat and airway blockages. The last is 'obstructive' and can be treated with oral appliances as a first response. This use of a device that fits over the teeth is recommended by sleep therapy professionals.

The majority of sufferers are obese and often have other serious health issues. The soft tissues of the airways collapse when the person reclines, which can be helped by elevating the upper body during repose or sleeping on the side rather than the back. Losing weight is very important in addressing this problem, and stopping smoking and eliminating alcohol are also helpful.

This abnormality often also complicates heart problems, chronic pain treatment, and other serious illnesses. Different parts of the brain are affected, studies show. People with this condition may have memory loss, difficulty in concentration, and problems with performing tasks required by their jobs.

Oral devices which were designed to alleviate snoring advance the lower jaw, which keeps upper airways open. The mouthpieces are FDA-approved for sleep disorder use. Quality ones will be made of medical-grade materials or plastics that are latex and BPA-free. There is a lot of information online; people who suspect they may have this disorder should check out some of the sites to learn more about their condition and options.

It is usually other people in the household who alert sufferers to their problem, because those afflicted are unaware that they have irregular breathing patterns. For those who live with such a person, the snoring is annoying but the interruptions to breathing are frightening. A definitive diagnosis can be made at a clinic which monitors sleeping behavior during one or more nights spent under observation.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea can be found online under the name of this disorder and also under 'help with snoring'. Not getting enough sleep is a problem in its own right, but it worsens other conditions as well. Those who suspect they suffer from this disorder should seek medical help. The use of a mouthpiece is often the first step in treatment. Lifestyle changes will make any health restoring program more effective.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Enregistrer un commentaire