You may have heard the advertisements on public radio or on television regarding dentists who are willing to provide assistance for the condition known as sleep apnea.
It is very true that dental professionals have the ability to provide some relief to those who get too little sleep as a result of interrupted breathing in the overnight hours.
Not only does sleep apnea disturb needed sleep, it can also be life-threatening.
Those with the condition may not even realize that they have it.
It is important, however, to understand that sleep apnea is not always so easily recognized. Snoring is not always reported. Severe snoring can be a red flag and a reason why the problem is often detected by loved ones.
Other symptoms can include morning headaches, daytime fatigue, irritability, choking or gasping during sleep, as well as waking with dry mouth or sore throat.
For this reason, if a person suspects that there may be an issue, a dentist or doctor should order an evaluation.
The diagnosis of sleep apnea does not have to be overly life altering.
In many cases, the condition is minor and can be corrected with a simple change of sleeping position. For a portion of the 18 million Americans who suffer with sleep apnea, the disrupted breathing is more frequent or more severe and will require special dental appliances.
The majority of dentists have been specially trained to deal with the condition and to fit the patients with the apparatus to be worn when sleeping.
For more information on sleep apnea and possible corrections, keep reading the full article.
