Remember that heavy, foggy feeling you carried around before you were diagnosed with sleep apnea? Olympia residents, we at Ziegele Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry truly hope it’s only a distant memory, but statistics show a large percentage of diagnosed sleep apnea patients discontinue the use of their oxygen supplying machines within the first year. Why?
Dr. Ziegele uses her experience in treating countless sleep apnea sufferers to shed light on this issue. Simply put, which do you imagine to be more conducive to a good night’s sleep: a facial mask strapped over your nose and mouth attached to an oxygen tank nearby, or a custom fit mouth guard similar to those worn by athletes? Does one immediately appeal to you more than the other does?
Unobtrusive and discreet, specially designed dental mouthguards have been hugely successful in treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Your jaw’s structure, size of tongue, palate, teeth and gums, are very individual to you and therefore play a key role in which dental appliance will be best for you. This is something our experienced dental team can assist you with.
Why would a dental mouthguard help sleep apnea? This oral appliance fits over the upper and lower teeth or tongue. It slightly advances the lower jaw or tongue, which in turn moves the base of the tongue forward and opens the airway. This improves breathing and reduces apnea. It sounds simple, but it works. Best of all, because the device is comfortable, well tolerated by patients, convenient for travel and easy to clean, patients actually use it and benefit.
If you or your partner suffers sleep apnea, don’t procrastinate and risk the serious health consequences associated with this condition. Consult Dr. Ziegele to discover relief from sleep apnea in the Olympia area!
