If you struggle with getting a comfortable, complete night’s slumber due to obstructive sleep apnea, you already have the odds stacked against you for waking up refreshed. But what happens when you have gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD), too? While you may have been led to believe in the past that these conditions are separate, the truth is that they may be more connected than you think. Here’s how oral appliance therapy from your dentist could help you find relief from both!
What is GERD?
Known as GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, creating painful heartburn, regurgitation and even difficulty swallowing.
What is OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that occurs when the airway becomes obstructed while lying down. Symptoms of OSA include gasping and choking for air, snoring, persistent headaches and sore throat, dry mouth, cognitive impairment during the day, anxiety and depression, and daytime lethargy. It may also have damaging effects on a variety of illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, and some types of cancer.
The Dangerous Connection Between GERD and OSA
If you are suffering from the effects of both GERD and OSA, you may think they’re totally unrelated. But studies show that about 60 percent of those with OSA also suffer from the painful effects of GERD. Worse yet, sleep disruptions like those typical with OSA could make GERD symptoms more severe, and the digestive disorder itself may even cause sleep difficulties, too!
Oral Appliance Therapy- A One-Two Punch
The good news is that it may be easier to treat both OSA and GERD than you think! In fact, you may not even need two separate treatments to do it. Oral appliance therapy from your dentist was designed to prop the airway open manually so you can rest easier and more comfortably with OSA. Not only that, but because you are able to get proper slumber and airway functionality, you may even have less severe and frequent GERD, episodes too. To learn more about your options and see if you qualify for oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with your sleep dentist.
Remember, getting a good night’s sleep is essential to feeling your best around the clock. If you are suffering from the painful side-effects of sleep apnea and GERD, talk to your dentist about oral appliance therapy today so you can finally get the pain-free rest you deserve, naturally.
About Dr. Neal
Dr. Jeffrey Neal earned his undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary and his dental degree at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) School of Dentistry. He is pleased to complete nearly 200 hours of continuing education each year, and is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association and the Richmond Dental Society. To schedule an appointment at Who Does Your Teeth for sleep apnea treatment, visit our website or call us today at 804-447-1435.