Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to larger issues with your health, including heart disease, high blood pressure and liver problems. Even the signs and minor symptoms of sleep apnea can interrupt your life. Common symptoms include extreme daytime drowsiness, personality changes and irritability, sore and dry throat, difficulty staying asleep, snoring, and frequent morning headaches. Sleep apnea occurs when you experience interruptions and pauses in your sleep. One type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea and occurs when your airway periodically becomes blocked in your sleep. This may be caused by your tongue rolling to the back of your throat or by collapsed tissues in your airway.

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician, but if you are suffering from sleep apnea, we recommend you seek treatment from our dentists, Dr. Weems. At J. Foster Weems, DDS, we are able to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea by using a fitted appliance that will keep your airway open. This oral appliance can work by preventing your tongue from rolling to the back of your throat or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages. Contact us today to learn more!

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