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Migraines are a frustrating condition that can wreak havoc on our work and social lives. Migraines are severe headaches that sometimes appear along with nausea or vision problems. While some may try to cover up the problem with a pain reliever, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris urge patients to consider the underlying causes of migraines in order to treat the issue rather than simply its symptoms. Some migraines have been tied to breathing problems that occur during sleep. Your Mansfield dentists treat patients for a variety of dental issues including sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which individuals stop breathing several times each night. Read on to learn what you can do to obtain better sleep as well as what your dentists can do.

Some Methods to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

  1. Try to keep your nose clear of mucus. Use nasal saline, nasal dilator strips, allergy medications, or decongestants to maintain good breathing through the nose. If you sleep with a stuffy nose, your tongue is more likely to fall back and cause problems.
  2. Don’t eat anything within 3-4 hours of bedtime. You want to avoid food because it may cause reflex in your throat, causing your throat to become disturbed.
  3. Do not sleep on your back. This may cause your tongue to sink back because of gravity.
  4. Avoid alcohol within 3-4 hours of bedtime. Alcohol is a depressant, and it may relax your throat to the point that it may lead to arousals or disruptions.
  5. Try deep breathing exercises or yoga to ease stress and soothe your nervous system. You can even do some deep breathing while waiting at red lights.

How Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris Can Help

Many people suffering from migraines may actually have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome(UARS) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA.) UARS is a slightly less severe sleep disorder that includes breathing problems during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea refers to when the tongue or soft tissues of the throat collapse and block the airway. Dr. Harris and Dr. Jones provide sleep apnea treatment that may eradicate your migraines. Your Mansfield dentists provide TAP oral appliances that can open the airway and hinder snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will custom fit the appliance for your mouth, and the appliance will draw your jaw forward. This blocks the airway from collapsing. Patients may adjust the TAP so that it is most effective for them. If the TAP is used correctly, it can prevent snoring and help you to breathe without interruption.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates treats patients’ issues and not just their symptoms. To learn more about our sleep apnea treatment or to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.