5 Key Steps to Managing and Treating Sleep Apnea in Marina, California

At Monterey Peninsula Smiles, we understand that sleep apnea can significantly affect your quality of life, leading to daytime fatigue, headaches, and other health concerns. While many people are familiar with CPAP therapy, it’s important to know that other effective treatments are available—especially dental solutions that can help manage and treat sleep apnea. In this article, we’ll share five key steps you can take to treat sleep apnea and restore your restful nights.

1. Get a Proper Diagnosis

The first step in managing sleep apnea is to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, scheduling an appointment with a dentist at Monterey Peninsula Smiles in Marina, California, is a great place to start. Dentists trained in sleep medicine can evaluate your symptoms, such as snoring, difficulty breathing during sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue. A sleep study may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of your condition.

2. Explore Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is one of the most popular and effective dental solutions for sleep apnea. This treatment involves wearing a custom-made device, similar to a mouthguard, that fits over your teeth while you sleep. The appliance works by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. Oral appliances are particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and offer a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional treatments.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight, especially around the neck, can impede the airway while you sleep, worsening sleep apnea. Maintaining a healthy weight is a key step in managing your condition. Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can reduce the pressure on your airway and help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, losing weight can improve the effectiveness of dental treatments like oral appliance therapy.

4. Sleep on Your Side

Sleeping on your back can increase the likelihood of your tongue and soft tissues collapsing into your airway, leading to apnea events. One simple lifestyle change to help manage your sleep apnea is sleeping on your side. Side sleeping helps keep your airway open and can reduce the number of apneas you experience at night. Special pillows or positional therapy devices are available to help you maintain this position throughout the night.

5. Follow Up Regularly with Your Dentist

After starting treatment, it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your progress. Your dentist will adjust your oral appliance if needed and track improvements in your symptoms. In some cases, additional treatments or lifestyle adjustments may be necessary for optimal results. Regular visits to Monterey Peninsula Smiles will help ensure your sleep apnea management plan is as effective as possible.

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and looking for alternative solutions to CPAP therapy, Monterey Peninsula Smiles is here to help. Our team offers personalized dental treatments to address your needs and improve your sleep quality. Call us today at (831) 484-7724 to schedule a consultation and start your journey to better sleep!

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