Page 78 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

HEALTHY LIVING
story by
Dr. Karen Crews
A primary reason for lack of good, quality sleep is snoring and a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition in which the throat muscles relax during sleep and your airway may become partially or fully blocked. There may be periods of choking or gasping for air while sleeping without your knowing. If left untreated, OSA can result in excessive daytime sleepiness and many serious health
consequences, such as hypertension, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
The great news is that treatment for sleep apnea can be highly effective in
resolving symptoms and preventing related complications. Continuous Airway Pressure or CPAP or the newer Inspire device have proven to be very effective in treating OSA. However, some individuals do not want to wear a device on their face or have surgery to treat OSA. Oral appliance therapy involves a custom-fit device, similar to a mouthguard, that stabilizes the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. This FDA-approved treatment is provided by Qualified Dentists and
is backed by scientific research demonstrating its effectiveness in treating obstructive sleep apnea.
The team at Beach View Family Dental has extensive training and experience in fabrication of dental sleep appliances. They will collaborate with your
Sleep Medicine physician to help you get a good night’s sleep! Call today for a consultation.
Oral appliance therapy.
78 | July 2025 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
9072 Lorraine Rd., Gulfport
228.896.1840 www.beachviewfamilydental.com