Sleep apnea is a very serious condition wherein people have trouble breathing in a relaxed state. There are a wide combination of factors that can cause this condition, but they all have similar effects on people affected. Essentially, during relaxed times, people will sleep apnea will have periods where they cease to breathe. These periods may last anywhere form seconds to minutes at a time.
Obviously, a cessation of breathing is a serious matter that may have a major effect on the health of a person. If this is the case, then people may suffer because of the interruptions that their body is going through. Symptoms that result because of sleep apnea include fatigue, lowered metabolic rate, lowered ability to fight off sickness, and mood alterations. Essentially, because the nightly cycle of the person is being continuously interrupted, they do not receive the full benefits of rest.
Fortunately, the symptoms are all very similar, no matter how long it takes for them to develop. One of the common symptoms that is developed with TMD is frequent headaches. Frequent headaches are the most common complaint of those with this condition, but you should verify your condition with other symptoms before you seek specialist help because a headache can indicate other health problems as well.
The causes of sleep apnea are not always known. Causes can range from conditioned behaviors to physical imperfections, to chemical balances that skew the energy levels of the body. However, there is hope for those with sleep apnea. Although it is not always clear what it is until there has been a heavy presentation of symptoms over time, once doctors are able to figure out the causes, they may begin working on a solution.
There are several possible solutions that may help people deal with their problem. The first change that can be implemented is done from a behavioral perspective. If someone has amassed some bad habits relating to their resting cycle, then they may need to be conditioned by a professional in order to stop falling into the same pitfalls. Behavioral therapy can cure the mild cases of the affliction, since it requires slight modification of habit.
The next changes that may be made in order to seek a curative effect involve the lifestyle of the user. People may have to change up how they live life in order to get a good set of effects. Eating healthier and in moderation may be encouraged, so that the person is taking in more wholesome offerings. Additionally, the client may be asked to reduce the overall amount of chemicals that they intake, either through stimulants or medicines.
Dentists can also make special mouthpieces for their clients that are going through sleep apnea. This pulls the jaw into a more advantageous position, opening up airways and providing a temporary relief. Using this equipment, dentists can help clients by retraining the muscles and alignment of the mouth into a more secure position. This relies on a steady progression over time in order to get a certain result from the process.
Surgery has proven to be the most effective way of implementing a permanent cure. People that undergo surgery are more likely to have a permanent positive solution implemented during their treatment. Surgery for sleep apnea is unique to the person most of the time. The surgeon uses surgical tools to physically reshape the airway and palate until there is a viable airway that can be accessed even if it would normally be closed off.
Make sure you still consume whole grains, beans, vegetables, eggs, fish, cheese, ground meats, fruits and so forth. However salads, apples, chips, corn on the cob, hard breads, raw vegetables, steak and other chewy foods. You should also definitely avoid chewing gum and ice. It can also help to cut your food into smaller bites so that you do not have to chew as much. Try to be careful as you chew so that your teeth do not hit each other when you bite through. The impact can make the pain worse if you grind them too much or bite too hard.
Obviously, a cessation of breathing is a serious matter that may have a major effect on the health of a person. If this is the case, then people may suffer because of the interruptions that their body is going through. Symptoms that result because of sleep apnea include fatigue, lowered metabolic rate, lowered ability to fight off sickness, and mood alterations. Essentially, because the nightly cycle of the person is being continuously interrupted, they do not receive the full benefits of rest.
Fortunately, the symptoms are all very similar, no matter how long it takes for them to develop. One of the common symptoms that is developed with TMD is frequent headaches. Frequent headaches are the most common complaint of those with this condition, but you should verify your condition with other symptoms before you seek specialist help because a headache can indicate other health problems as well.
The causes of sleep apnea are not always known. Causes can range from conditioned behaviors to physical imperfections, to chemical balances that skew the energy levels of the body. However, there is hope for those with sleep apnea. Although it is not always clear what it is until there has been a heavy presentation of symptoms over time, once doctors are able to figure out the causes, they may begin working on a solution.
There are several possible solutions that may help people deal with their problem. The first change that can be implemented is done from a behavioral perspective. If someone has amassed some bad habits relating to their resting cycle, then they may need to be conditioned by a professional in order to stop falling into the same pitfalls. Behavioral therapy can cure the mild cases of the affliction, since it requires slight modification of habit.
The next changes that may be made in order to seek a curative effect involve the lifestyle of the user. People may have to change up how they live life in order to get a good set of effects. Eating healthier and in moderation may be encouraged, so that the person is taking in more wholesome offerings. Additionally, the client may be asked to reduce the overall amount of chemicals that they intake, either through stimulants or medicines.
Dentists can also make special mouthpieces for their clients that are going through sleep apnea. This pulls the jaw into a more advantageous position, opening up airways and providing a temporary relief. Using this equipment, dentists can help clients by retraining the muscles and alignment of the mouth into a more secure position. This relies on a steady progression over time in order to get a certain result from the process.
Surgery has proven to be the most effective way of implementing a permanent cure. People that undergo surgery are more likely to have a permanent positive solution implemented during their treatment. Surgery for sleep apnea is unique to the person most of the time. The surgeon uses surgical tools to physically reshape the airway and palate until there is a viable airway that can be accessed even if it would normally be closed off.
Make sure you still consume whole grains, beans, vegetables, eggs, fish, cheese, ground meats, fruits and so forth. However salads, apples, chips, corn on the cob, hard breads, raw vegetables, steak and other chewy foods. You should also definitely avoid chewing gum and ice. It can also help to cut your food into smaller bites so that you do not have to chew as much. Try to be careful as you chew so that your teeth do not hit each other when you bite through. The impact can make the pain worse if you grind them too much or bite too hard.
About the Author:
With multiple board certifications and more than fifty years of combined experience, it is deeply rewarding to know that we as Oklahoma Dentists can offer real solutions to patients of all ages who suffer from TMJ symptoms, sleep apnea, headaches and all kinds of facial pain, and sleep disorders.
