Studies tell us that an estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, often called obstructive sleep apnea – or OSA, for short. Of those 22 million, approximately 80% of the people with the moderate to severe form remain undiagnosed. This means that a lot of folks suffer from this condition but don’t realize it. Are you one of them?

 Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you wake up with a headache?
• Do you doze off at work or during school?
• Have you been told that you snore loudly?
• Do you wake up during the night and feel short of breath?
• Are you irritable during the day but can’t pinpoint the reason?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you may suffer from sleep apnea. In Raleigh NC, sleep apnea sufferers turn to Dr. Ben Thompson and Dr. Susan Thompson for non-invasive treatment. Yes, a dentist can help you sleep better and healthier!

The Causes of Sleep Apnea
An apnea episode occurs when the body stops breathing. These episodes may occur thousands of times a night. Often, sleep apnea is caused by the muscles of the throat relaxing to the point that the airway is blocked. The tongue may also fall back to block the throat. In both of these instances, the amount of oxygen available to the body is reduced. When the brain senses this deficiency, it signals the body to awaken. Some sleep apnea sufferers simply enter a lighter phase of sleep when this occurs, while others waken entirely.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of heart problems, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems. The daytime drowsiness experienced by many sleep apnea sufferers may put them at risk of experiencing an accident while driving or in the workplace. Sleep apnea may also increase the risk of complications during surgery.

Non-Invasive Sleep Apnea Treatment
The doctors at Thompson Family Dentistry offer non-surgical sleep apnea treatment in the form of oral appliance therapy. A small acrylic mouthguard custom-fitted for your specific needs holds the jaw and tongue slightly forward to prevent airway blockage. The ability to breathe fully during slumber alleviates apnea episodes and results in restful sleep for a healthier you.

Call today to schedule a consultation at Thompson Family Dentistry.