Oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea treatment and a better night’s sleep
At the Highland Dental Clinic of South Lakeland, Florida, Dr. Blanca Fernandez adopts a holistic approach to dental healthcare, addressing not only oral health but also its impact on overall well-being. Her expertise extends beyond conventional dentistry, enabling her to manage conditions that might not appear directly related to dental health, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a specific type of sleep apnea characterized by the airway becoming blocked while you’re asleep, interrupting your oxygen supply, and forcing your brain to wake you up. This can occur multiple times during the night, affecting the quality of your sleep without you even noticing. This results in a series of issues that can impact daily lives, including symptoms such as:
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches and migraines
- Difficulty focusing and memory impairment
- Mood swings and irritability
- High blood pressure and heart problems
Obstructive sleep apnea not only affects your physical health but can also impact mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is critical that patients get a proper diagnosis of their condition to address the problem and improve their day-to-day experiences.
How can dental health affect obstructive sleep apnea?
Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic understand the connection between dental health and obstructive sleep apnea. The structure of our mouth and jaw plays a crucial role in maintaining an open airway while we sleep. Issues with teeth or jaw alignment can lead to a narrow airway or even obstruction, making it difficult for us to breathe while sleeping.
Additionally, dental issues such as teeth grinding (bruxism) and tongue positioning can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. This is why Dr. Blanca Fernandez not only focuses on treating oral health but also evaluates its potential impact on conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
How can obstructive sleep apnea be treated?
In South Lakeland, Florida, our team at Highland Dental Clinic offers a creative solution to this problem: oral appliance therapy. Unlike the well-known CPAP machines, which can be noisy and uncomfortable to wear, our oral appliance alternative is designed to be easy to use and unobtrusive. It functions by repositioning your jaw to ensure your airway remains unobstructed throughout the night, making it easy to get a good night’s rest! Designed to resemble an athletic mouthguard, our oral appliance is comfortable, convenient, and travel-friendly.
Who can I call in the area of South Lakeland, Florida to learn more about oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea?
If you are located in or around South Lakeland, Florida, and are looking for a non-invasive, easy-to-use solution to manage your sleep apnea, we invite you to contact us at (863) 457-1954 and book an appointment today. Our office is located at 5163 US Highway 98 S. and is open to new and established patients.
