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Do you snore at night or sleep next to someone who does? Snoring is not always a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but when it is, it is important to seek treatment. Sleep apnea can lead to overall health problems not to mention impact the amount of restful sleep you and your loved ones may be getting. Your dentist may be able to help you find relief from sleep apnea. If it is determined that your snoring is a sign of OSA, your dentist can create a customized oral appliance to help treat it. If you live in or near Mansfield, TX, talk to your dental team today about the ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea. 

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Simply put (and simply suited to its name), obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your airway is obstructed while you sleep. The tissues of your mouth and throat can collapse and block your airway causing a lack of oxygen to reach your bloodstream. When this happens, your body will subconsciously wake you up to cause you to gasp for air and clear the obstruction. This can happen hundreds of times throughout the night. A customized oral appliance can help to prevent the oral tissues from causing an airway obstruction in the first place.

Risks If Left Untreated

Multiple suffocations throughout the night is not good for your body. It can cause your body to overcompensate for the lack of oxygen in your blood by raising your blood pressure. This can put you at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, etc. When your body subconsciously wakes you up, it can disrupt your sleep cycle. While you may have thought you were asleep the whole time, you may not feel fully rested. This lack of sleep can lead to drowsiness, hormonal imbalance, mood swings, and more.

Do you or a loved one have sleep apnea?

Treating OSA can help you find relief and lower health risks. To schedule a consultation with Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, TX, call 817-473-6227. We proudly welcome patients from Mansfield and the surrounding areas, including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.