Sleep disorders are common conditions in which your nightly rest is not what it should be. Your slumber could be interrupted or the overall quality could be poor throughout the night. Two of the most prevalent of these conditions occur within the mouth and throat. Chronic obstructive sleep apnea is a concern in which the tissue of the throat collapses on itself as a result of deep relaxation. Apnea leads to periods where you do not properly breathe, resulting in a loss of oxygen. Both your heart and your brain rely upon adequate breath and this activity can continue for hours throughout each night.
Temporomandibular joint disorder is another condition that can arise as a result of overnight activity. Nightly jaw movement can place undue stress on the connection to the side of your head. A nightly worn oral appliance can help in these situations to ease the tension. At Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, we carry these appliances to help with both nightly jaw movement and chronic obstructive sleep apnea.
Reposition Your Jaw To Keep Your Airway Free
Chronic obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the body blocks itself from breathing properly overnight. At night, the nerve that controls our tongue may relax too much. The form of the throat then softens and you can block yourself from breathing properly. Take your friends and family seriously if they mention your problem snoring, because it may be a sign of a medical condition.
This concern can become taxing on your long-term health prospects, as well. Apnea patients report higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to a consistently elevated blood pressure. Blood oxygenation is also on average lower for these people.
The use of an oral appliance can help you by slightly adjusting your jaw forward. This can give you enough space to breathe even when your throat relaxes. Discuss this option with your dentist and see if you could avoid potential surgery or a noisy CPAP machine.
Relieve Your Jaw Tension
Another common sleep disorder is temporomandibular joint disorder. This is the malfunction of the connection between the head and the jaw. Located near the ear, this joint can suffer wear from constant use. Unfortunately, the movement of the jaw overnight is one of the most prevalent forms of unconscious movement.
An oral appliance could help you by keeping your jaw in a consistent location while you sleep. This approach can also help you to avoid enamel damage from colliding teeth!
Helpful Oral Appliances For Your Health In Pella, IA
A non-surgical solution is available to you in an oral appliance. This rests in your mouth as you sleep and can work efficiently to keep you safe overnight. An appliance can keep your airway clear or your jaw stable. Call Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA at 641-628-1121 to learn more.