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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Diamond Bar, CA

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Diamond Bar, CA
Posted on 01/04/2022

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that causes breathing to be interrupted or obstructed while sleeping, causing daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and sometimes very serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Furumoto dentistry treats many patients with sleep apnea in Diamond Bar, CA, providing advice and solutions for the often chronic symptoms of the disorder. Does sleep apnea ever go away? Usually, symptoms are managed and minimized by lifestyle changes, and sometimes they can go away.

Lifestyle Adjustments to fight Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is commonly associated with weight gain, as excess fat around the neck can cause the airway to become obstructed during sleep. Some patients may be able to reduce their symptoms by trying to lose weight, but some other contributing factors can be tackled first.

  • If you tend to sleep on your back, try training your body to take a different position, so that it is harder for your tongue to drop to the back of the throat and obstruct breathing.
  • Try to avoid foods that increase mucus production, such as full-fat dairy. Cutting out some of these foods can also assist with weight loss.

Using a CPAP Machine

One way to prevent your airways from becoming obstructed at night is through the use of a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine. Air pressure is delivered through a hose into a mouthpiece or nosepiece, preventing the airway from closing. Intended to give patients a better night’s sleep and mitigate the effects of sleep apnea, CPAP machines can sometimes make it difficult to fall asleep, causing dryness in the mouth, and a stuffy nose.

Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw when worn at night can be effective at keeping airways free of obstruction. There are over-the-counter options available, but in moderate to severe cases, your dentist at Furumoto Dentistry may fit you for a custom appliance.

Visit your Dentist Regularly

Through a combination of approaches, including the use of sleep apnea devices to minimize symptoms and lifestyle changes to prevent or reverse them, some patients find that their sleep apnea clears up entirely. Most patients, however, will need some form of professional treatment for sleep apnea throughout their lifetimes. At Furumoto Dentistry we care for each of our patient's individual needs, connecting the dots between lifestyle, dental, and medical concerns to help our patients achieve not only dental health but overall greater quality of life. Contact us today and fill out an appointment request to get started!