Do you suffer from sleep apnea and are looking for a noninvasive solution to help you find some much-needed relief? A mouthguard, also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD), might be just the thing you need. However, before you rush out and buy one, you should take some time to understand what a mouthguard can and cannot do for you.
In this article, we’ll explore sleep apnea, why mouthguards work, and your other options for treating sleep apnea. This way, you’ll have the information you need to make the best choice for your sleep apnea treatment.
Mouthguards and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition characterized by intermittent breathing pauses and shallow breaths that can disrupt the quality of your sleep. People who have sleep apnea may snore loudly and feel tired and irritable during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.
Mouthguards work by gently holding the lower jaw in a forward position, which helps to keep the airway open and reduces the chances of the airway becoming blocked. This can help to reduce the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes, and can also help to improve the quality of your sleep.
Mouthguard Options
There are many different types of mouthguards available, but most of them fall into one of two categories: custom-fit or boil-and-bite. Custom-fit mouthguards are made by a dentist and are tailored to fit your mouth perfectly. Boil-and-bite mouthguards, on the other hand, can be purchased over the counter and are designed to be reheated and then bitten into to create a custom fit.
When choosing a mouthguard for sleep apnea, it is important to select a type that is specifically designed for this purpose. These devices are typically made of plastic and come with an adjustment mechanism that allows you to slightly increase or decrease the amount by which your jaw is held forward.
Other Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Mouthguards are not the only treatment option for sleep apnea. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are often used to treat the condition and are considered the gold standard of care. These machines work by delivering a constant stream of pressurized air to help keep the airway open.
In addition to CPAP, there are also several other treatments that can help to prevent sleep apnea episodes. These treatments include lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime; sleeping position therapy, in which you try to keep you head elevated while you sleep; and surgery, which may be necessary in more severe cases of sleep apnea.
Conclusion
If you suffer from sleep apnea, a mouthguard might be a good treatment option for you. Mouthguards work by gently holding the lower jaw in a forward position to help keep the airway open and reduce the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes.
There are many different types of mouthguards available, and it is important to select one that is specifically designed for treating sleep apnea. In addition to mouthguards, there are also many other treatments available for sleep apnea, including CPAP machines, lifestyle modifications, sleeping position therapy, and surgery.
To make the best decision for your sleep apnea treatment, you should talk to your doctor about the different treatment options and seek advice from a qualified sleep specialist. With the right information, you’ll be able to choose the treatment that is right for you and start getting the restful sleep you deserve.