Good sleep supports your health, energy and mood, and it’s hard to feel your best without it. For millions of people in the U.S., a restful night is hard to come by because of a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your breathing pauses during sleep, sometimes for a few seconds and sometimes for a minute or more.
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, waking with a sore throat or headache, night sweats, and feeling tired even after a full night in bed. These happen because the soft tissue in your throat relaxes and blocks your airway, which lowers your oxygen levels and wakes you often. If you’ve been looking for treatment for snoring, it’s worth finding out whether sleep apnea could be the cause.
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable, and treatment can make a real difference. Sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, acid reflux and other health concerns. Treating it supports your overall health and can help you feel more alert and focused during the day.
A medical professional, such as your sleep apnea doctor in Mission Viejo, CA, can diagnose OSA. From there, you have several options. Some people do best with one approach, while others see the biggest improvement by combining two or more.
Common options include:
• A CPAP machine worn during sleep
• Oral appliance therapy, using a custom mouthpiece worn at night
• Surgery
Research shows oral appliance therapy works well for many people with OSA. This form of sleep apnea therapy uses a custom-fitted appliance that gently holds your lower jaw forward while you sleep. This moves your tongue away from the back of your throat and keeps your airway more open, which often leads to more restful sleep.
Oral appliances are small, quiet and easy to travel with. That makes them a comfortable choice for many patients, including people who’ve found CPAP hard to use or would like to avoid surgery.
As the sleep apnea dentist Mission Viejo, CA, patients rely on, the Oso Marguerite Dental team has extensive experience with oral appliance therapy. We work closely with you and your physician to create a custom appliance that helps you sleep better and feel healthier.
If poor sleep is wearing you down or you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, we’re here to help. Our Mission Viejo, CA, office is a convenient dentist near Laguna Hills, CA, and Ladera Ranch, CA, welcoming patients from around Orange County. If you’ve been searching for a sleep apnea dentist near you, call (949) 682-3535 to schedule a consultation and find out if oral appliance therapy is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I snore. Is that normal?
Many adults snore now and then, and occasional, quiet snoring is often nothing to worry about. If your snoring wakes you during the night or is loud enough to disturb anyone sleeping nearby, sleep apnea may be the cause. Either way, your doctor can help you find out what’s behind it and talk through your options.
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Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea is worth taking seriously, and the good news is that it’s treatable. When it isn’t treated, it has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, mood changes, depression and sexual health concerns. It can also leave you feeling very tired during the day, which can make work and driving harder. Getting evaluated is a great first step toward feeling more rested.
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How do oral appliances help with sleep apnea?
A custom-fitted oral appliance gently holds your jaw in place so your airway stays open while you sleep. It’s similar to a sports mouth guard and keeps your tongue and lower jaw steady, giving air more room to flow so you can rest more easily.
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What should I do if I am interested in exploring non-surgical obstructive sleep apnea remedies including mouth guards?
Oso Marguerite Dental is happy to help you explore non-surgical options, including custom oral appliances. Call us at (949) 682-3535 to schedule a consultation, and our friendly front office team will help you get started.
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What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep condition. While you sleep, the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much and the soft tissue blocks your airway. Your breathing pauses or becomes shallow, and your brain briefly wakes you to start it again, often so quickly you don’t remember it. This leaves your sleep broken and less restful, but there are effective ways to treat it.
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What are the signs of sleep apnea besides snoring?
Snoring is the best-known sign, but there are others to watch for: • Feeling tired or sleepy during the day, even after a full night in bed • Waking up with a headache, dry mouth or sore throat • Waking suddenly with a gasp or choking feeling • Trouble focusing, or feeling irritable • Getting up often at night to use the bathroom • Someone noticing that your breathing pauses while you sleep If any of these sound familiar, talk with your doctor about a sleep evaluation. It’s a simple first step toward better rest.
