A better night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a dream. Getting to the root of the problem should be a priority for you in 2017. When you start to investigate the causes, you may be truly surprised by what you discover – dental problems could be causing your sleep issues.

I’ve been specially trained in dental sleep medicine, and have treated patients successfully for snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ for nearly 25 years. While snoring can be harmless, if can also be a sign of a serious medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). People with OSA may experience a totally blocked airway during sleep. The flow of oxygen to the lungs is restricted. People with OSA are more tired, and are also four times more likely to have a heart attack.

Dental sleep medicine is an area of dentistry that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy. A custom-fit oral sleep appliance is an effective treatment that prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position. This appliance fits like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer, and is easy to care for and quite comfortable.

Believe me – and the hundreds of patients I’ve treated – oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. Commit to using your appliance nightly, and your symptoms – and your quality of life – can improve dramatically.