If you have sleep apnea, your first instinct may be to ask your primary care provider for a referral to a sleep physician. While undergoing various sleep studies and consulting a sleep expert could be the answer, there may be an easier way to get the relief—and the quality sleep—you desperately need. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your dentist may be able to treat it with a few simple office visits.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is characterized by breathing that stops and starts during sleep. The most common form of the condition—OSA—is caused by a blocked airway. A few things can end up blocking your airway while you sleep. For most people with OSA, the soft tissues in the back of their throat collapse when relaxed. Other causes include a deviated septum, chronic congestion, swollen glands or tonsils, or a misaligned jawbone.

How Do Dentists Treat OSA?

If you have OSA, your dentist must determine the underlying cause of the problem to prescribe the correct treatment. Some of the most effective treatments include CPAP machines, which force air through the oral and nasal passages, and custom mouthguards. Naturally, those with misaligned jaws can benefit from orthodontic treatment or surgery.

 Because CPAP machines can take a while to get used to, most patients are inclined to try simpler approaches first. Thankfully, mouthguards can correct a number of issues that block the airways while you sleep. After taking impressions, your dentist sends the molds to a lab, which reciprocates with a custom mouthpiece. This piece helps shift your jaw forward, thereby positioning the soft tissues in the back of the throat so that they no longer obstruct the airway. After returning for a followup visit, you and your dentist can decide together whether the mouthguard is working or you want to try a CPAP machine.

If you’re often tired and think OSA may be to blame, turn to Beard & Holmen in Waterloo, IL. This full-service, family-oriented dental practice will handle all your oral care needs, from preventative cleanings to restorative surgeries. Their dentists have been in the field for more than 25 years each, and they're proud members of the St. Clair Dental Society and the American Dental Association. To schedule an appointment to discuss your sleep concerns, visit their website or call (618) 939-7181.