Sleep apnea is a condition that leads to interruptions in a person's breathing during sleep. It can be caused by soft tissues in the mouth getting into the airways during sleep or the jaw being at an angle that restricts breathing. Many people who snore do so as a result of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea might seem like a minor issue, but it is far from it. It prevents people who have it from getting restful sleep and they often wake up feeling tired and lethargic. People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. They are also more susceptible to depression and other mental health issues.
Fortunately, exercising the tongue can help to alleviate sleep apnea. Some cases are caused by the person's tongue falling into their airways during sleep and exercise is an effective way to train the tongue to stop doing that.
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by tissues in the mouth blocking a person's airways when they sleep. As a result, the person has interruptions in their breathing during sleep, forcing them to wake up momentarily to restore their breathing. These interruptions occur many times during sleep, preventing them from getting prolonged sleep.
One of the main causes of obstructive sleep apnea is the person's tongue over-relaxing, falling into the back of the throat and blocking the airways. Strengthening the tongue helps to keep it in the proper resting position when sleeping. Research shows that these treatments work and they can help people with moderate sleep apnea to minimize their symptoms. It can even prevent the need for a CPAP machine, which is used to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Adults and children alike can benefit from strengthening their tongue if they have obstructive sleep apnea. The process is called oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) and it involves having a professional that understands the intricacies of the tongue assessing how the patient's orofacial structures work together. The therapist will craft a treatment plan that addresses the behavior of the patient's tongue.
The therapist will show the patient exercises that will teach their tongue to stay in its proper resting position during sleep. Strengthening the tongue can also make it easier to breathe and to swallow during the day. The benefits that come with this approach to treating obstructive sleep apnea include:
Dealing with obstructive sleep apnea? Contact our Bellevue clinic to learn more about how exercising your tongue can help to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. We also provide oral appliances that can help to keep your tongue in the proper position while you sleep.
Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
Cosmetic dental services aim to improve how the teeth look and the smile's overall appearance. These services may include treatments for stains, chips, or misaligned teeth. Many of these procedures are simple, comfortable, and require little recovery time. Here are some helpful things to know when considering cosmetic dental services.Cosmetic dental services can encompass a…
Managing dental care across several generations can become easier when one family dentist provides routine care for children, adults, and older patients. A familiar dental home can simplify scheduling, keep records in one place, and support consistent preventive habits as oral health needs change. Family dental care also allows the same office to recognize changes…
Gum recession treatment helps protect the teeth and support a healthy smile. Receding gums can expose tooth roots, which may lead to sensitivity, decay, and other oral health problems. A general dentist can offer several treatment options based on the severity of the recession. Learning about these options can help patients take the right steps…
When exploring cosmetic dental services, professional teeth whitening often stands out as a popular option for achieving a brighter smile. While over-the-counter products promise convenience, cosmetic dental services from a professional offer effective solutions tailored to individual needs. Understanding the differences between dentist procedures and over-the-counter whitening options helps patients make informed decisions about their…
