A sore throat may indicate an impending virus or the result of allergies. But if you experience a chronic sore throat every day upon waking and it subsides as the day goes by, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is often due to a dental problem that can easily be treated with a simple oral appliance rather than a bulky, inconvenient CPAP. Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and Andrew Keith, DDS, of Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, can evaluate your oral structures to determine if your sleep apnea would benefit from a simple dental treatment. Here’s what to know.
Sleep apnea describes a condition in which you frequently pause breathing during sleep. Snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth, and excessive daytime sleepiness are common signs of the condition. The morning sore throat is also a common symptom.
Sleep apnea affects 10%-30% of adults in the United States, but the condition often goes
undiagnosed. It’s more common in men and in people who are overweight, but anyone can develop the condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. Usually, this happens because the muscles that support soft tissue, like your soft palate and tongue, relax too much and block your throat. Your brain detects the lack of oxygen and wakes you up. You can wake up hundreds of times during the night and not even remember them. However, Your body is aware that you lack a good night’s sleep.
Poor sleep from sleep apnea can contribute to the development of system-wide inflammation. You’re at greater risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression due to untreated sleep apnea.
Treatment for sleep apnea often involves the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. You wear a mask as you sleep, and it keeps your airways open. CPAPs are large, uncomfortable, and loud.
An oral appliance is a simple way to help you breathe easier during sleep. They fit just like a mouthguard, correcting the position of your jaw to ensure proper airflow.
We offer the comfortable, innovative SomnoDent® Avant™. This device is computer manufactured to match the shape of your teeth and mouth exactly. It’s sturdy and stays in place during sleep. Because it’s comfortable, you’re more likely to comply with wearing it and get the benefits of improved sleep.
The SomnoDent Avant design gently closes your mouth so you breathe through your nose while sleeping. You’ll notice snoring greatly reduces or fades altogether. You’ll wake up without a dry mouth and a bothersome sore throat.
The oral appliance is silent so that it won’t bother your or your partner’s sleep. Plus, it’s portable, so you can easily take it with you to enjoy optimal sleep wherever you travel.
If you struggle with sleep apnea symptoms and excessive snoring, reach out to Advanced Care Dentistry. We can determine if a simple oral appliance can help improve your sleep and the effects of sleep apnea. Call the office or reach out via this website to schedule an appointment.
