Dentistry Solutions for Sleep Apnea: get a good night’s rest and reclaim your health

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects nearly 18 million Americans. While many people think it just means that you snore at night, sleep apnea is a severe health issue that deprives your brain and organs of vital oxygen while you sleep and is linked to an increased risk for several deadly health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. At TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah, Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson is experienced in diagnosing sleep apnea and offers customized dentistry solutions for patients suffering from sleep apnea so they can get a good night’s rest and reclaim their health. 

Risk factors for sleep apnea

While anyone at any age can have sleep apnea, it is more common among certain groups, including:

• Older adults 
• Men
• People who are overweight
• People who have narrow throats or thicker necks
• People with enlarged adenoids or tonsils

The symptoms of sleep apnea vary but may include one or more of the following: 

• Chronic snoring
• Waking up with a headache or dry mouth
• Feeling excessively tired during the day
• Waking up repeatedly throughout the night
• Shifts in your mood and attention span

Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea

While sleep apnea is not something to be taken lightly, the great news is that a qualified professional like Dr. Gunnerson can effectively diagnose and treat the condition so you can start sleeping better and get relief from your sleep apnea symptoms. During a consultation, Dr. Gunnerson will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history. An at-home sleep test that you perform in the comfort of your own home will give Dr. Gunnerson important information about your sleeping patterns and other metrics that are used to diagnose the condition.

For mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be very effective. This FDA-approved treatment option uses a mouthguard-like device that is custom-made to keep your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep, which prevents your airway from becoming obstructed while you sleep. Many patients find oral appliance therapy to be more convenient and comfortable, and less intrusive than a CPAP machine.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, getting a diagnosis is the first step in sleeping better and reducing your risk of serious health problems. To schedule your appointment at TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah by Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson, call (801) 877-1126 today! 

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