If you’re living with sleep apnea, you may wake up multiple times a night because you’re snoring loudly or can’t breathe. In addition to posing a threat to your health, sleep apnea will make you feel tired during the day, which can interfere with your quality of life. Here are three ways your doctor and dentist may recommend managing your sleep apnea. 

3 Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea

1. CPAP Machine

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure systems, or CPAP machines, are designed to blow a steady stream of air into the nose and mouth as you sleep. CPAP machines also help prop open the throat. These systems can be fitted with a humidifier to prevent dryness and adjusted to help you sleep with a comfortable level of air pressure. 

2. Oral Appliance

While CPAP machines are often effective, they aren’t always comfortable to wear and tend to make noise that can interrupt the sleep of others in your household. Fortunately, mild to moderate sleep apnea can be treated with a simple oral appliance. Dentists customize these mouthguards to hold the tongue in place or move the lower jaw forward, propping open the airway and preventing breathing problems. Plus, mouthguards are portable and inconspicuous, which makes them an easy solution for traveling or sleeping around other people.

3. Weight Management

The more bulk you have around your neck, the higher your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. A 10% increase in BMI makes you six times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. By focusing on healthy eating and weight management, you may be able to alleviate your symptoms.

If your doctor has given you the go-ahead to try an oral appliance for sleep apnea, turn to Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI. In addition to helping you breathe and sleep better throughout the night, the dentist will help you tackle everything from gum disease to crooked teeth. You’ll feel at ease in the dental spa that offers amenities like noise-cancelling headphones and free hand wax treatments. Find out more about sleep apnea treatment online, or make an appointment with the dentist by calling (808) 322-0101.