A good night’s sleep is essential when it comes to maintaining good health. Many people are not getting their fair share of sleep due to a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea which leads to a reduction in airflow to the respiratory system. This occurs when the soft tissue near the back of the throat collapses during sleep. This narrows the windpipe and causes the tissues to vibrate as air passes through leading to a loud, snoring sound.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition, and left untreated can lead to major health concerns including high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and liver damage. Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Irritability
Excessive tiredness during the day
Poor memory
Morning headaches
Night sweats
Obesity
Elevated blood pressure levels

Sleep apnea or snoring can sometimes be treated with a night-time oral appliance which is designed to keep the lower jaw in a forward direction. When the jaw is repositioned in this manner, it causes the tongue to move away from the back of the throat and decreases the potential for airway obstruction. At Thousand Oaks Dental, we specialize in high-quality, comfortable, custom-made oral appliances that can be used to treat many cases of sleep apnea.

If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea, call the knowledgeable team at Thousand Oaks Dental today to schedule an appointment and determine if you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy.