Do you snore? Feel tired and headachey in the mornings? Have you tried nasal strips? Pinning a sock with tennis balls to the back of your nightshirt? Even over-the-counter mouthpieces? How much did they help?
Besides only helping a few types of snorers, or none at all, trying your own remedies can even ultimately be dangerous. As many as 75% of snorers have sleep apnea, which means they actually stop breathing many times during the night. Sound dangerous?
According to an article in Your Dental Health Resource “Sleep apnea is a serious condition…” it “leads to increased stress on the body that can result in a host of other conditions—including shortened life expectancy and increased stress and fatigue. Getting diagnosed with a specific type of sleep apnea is paramount to receiving the right treatment. Here are the top reasons why you shouldn’t self-treat for sleep apnea.
Quick Treatment Doesn’t Address the Cause
Products that promise a quick fix for your sleep apnea don’t actually address the problems that are causing the issue. Sleep apnea can have numerous causes…You don’t know what’s causing your sleep apnea without a diagnosis from a sleep physician. By getting an accurate diagnosis, you can move forward with treatment that’s effective and comfortable for your sleep apnea.
You May Not Have Sleep Apnea
When you choose to treat what you think is sleep apnea, you could be attempting to treat a health condition you don’t have. Symptoms of sleep apnea can overlap with those of other conditions….there’s no way you can know for sure if you have one of the three types of sleep apnea without visiting a doctor.
Sleep Apnea Is a Serious Condition
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that should never be treated without the help of your doctor. Once you have a diagnosis, you and your dentist can work to create a solution. Oral sleep appliances are popular choices for sleep apnea treatment due to their comfort and ease of use. Your dentist can fit you with an oral sleep appliance to curb your sleep apnea symptoms. Take sleep apnea seriously— get a diagnosis. Get treatment. Get results!
Get Professional Treatment That Works
Professional treatment for sleep apnea means getting treatment that’s tailored to you to actually work. Your symptoms may change over time, as you may gain or lose weight or even change medications. Changes such as these can affect sleep apnea, so continuing to manage your care is essential. Your dentist can work to fit your appliance and make adjustments as needed during your treatment.
Addressing any dental health problems you have before getting treatment for sleep apnea is also important. Oral health concerns such as gum disease and TMJ disorders could prevent you from getting an oral sleep appliance. Visiting your dentist is crucial to ensure your mouth is healthy and ready for treatment!
Sleep apnea is not a disorder to be taken lightly. This condition requires professional diagnosis and treatment for real results.” Learn more about the dangers of self-diagnoses here. If you live in the Portland and Beaverton area, you can make an appointment with Dr. Keith Valachi, who has years of experience and training in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
Stop Snoring, Sleep Better, and Live Longer!
The Dental Sleep Apnea Clinic can help you find relief from your sleep apnea.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
