Do you struggle with snoring during the night? Or wake up gasping for air? Or maybe you only notice that you have headaches and dry mouth in the morning? If any of those signs sound familiar, you may have sleep apnea. If you are coming in for a checkup, it’s important to bring up these symptoms. Today, we’re talking about why.

Why a Dentist Can Help You With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, causing a decrease in the amount of oxygen that reaches the body and brain. You may not think you can bring up sleep apnea to a dentist. However, we don’t just focus on the health of your smile, but your whole health, too. When you report symptoms of sleep apnea, we can create a customized oral appliance for you. This will:

  • Keep your airways open while you sleep
  • Gently shift your jaw forward, so your throat doesn’t close
  • Be easier to care for than a CPAP-machine
  • Won’t involve cumbersome equipment you have to plug in
  • Fit you perfectly, so you barely notice you are wearing it

You don’t want to buy a snore guard or snore appliance online or from the store. Because we create it just for your smile, it’s easier to wear and longer-lasting.The Danger of Ignoring Sleep Apnea

The Risk of Ignoring Sleep Apnea

You don’t want to ignore sleep apnea symptoms. It can have serious consequences for your short-term and long-term health. Here are some of the dangers of ignoring sleep apnea:

  • High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure or make existing hypertension worse. As a result, it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Heart disease: People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing heart disease due to decreased oxygen levels during apnea episodes.
  • Stroke: Sleep apnea can increase the risk of stroke due to the effects of low oxygen levels and high blood pressure.
  • Cognitive impairment: Sleep apnea has been linked to cognitive impairment and memory problems. This can affect your ability to perform daily tasks and impact your quality of life.
  • Depression: Sleep apnea can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety due to the impact on sleep quality and overall health.

We want you to protect your health and sleep through the night with ease. Make sure you bring up sleep apnea at your next checkup. We’ll give you a solution that will finally let you sleep through the night.

Call 253-999-9419 or schedule online to visit Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry in Puyallup, WA.