Sleep apnea deprives the body of precious oxygen while sleeping, leading to other serious health issues over time. While many sleep apnea treatments exist, some patients are looking for alternatives to CPAP machines and surgery. According to our dentist in Sacramento, one suitable alternative is myofunctional therapy.
If you want to know whether this therapy can help with sleep apnea, our dentist in Sacramento, CA, can provide insights into its benefits and effectiveness. So, dial (916) 469-9178 to request a consultation with Timothy E. Mickiewicz, D.D.S., today!
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on strengthening and/or relaxing the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and throat. These exercises help retrain these muscles to function properly.
The goal is to improve breathing, swallowing, and overall oral posture. Our dentist in Sacramento may recommend this therapy as part of a treatment plan for various oral health concerns, including sleep apnea.
Dental professionals often use myofunctional therapy to address orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). These disorders affect how the tongue and facial muscles work together. When these muscles do not function properly, it can contribute to issues such as snoring, mouth breathing, and airway obstruction, which are common in people with sleep apnea.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?
Sleep apnea presents when the respiratory tract becomes completely or partially occluded during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. This disruption can cause serious health problems, including daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke.
Can Myofunctional Therapy Help with Sleep Apnea?
Myofunctional therapy may help reduce sleep apnea symptoms by strengthening the muscles that control breathing. Weak tongue and throat muscles can contribute to airway collapse during sleep. By performing targeted exercises, patients can improve muscle tone and reduce the likelihood of airway obstruction.
Studies suggest that myofunctional therapy can reduce the severity of sleep apnea, decrease snoring, and improve overall sleep quality. Our dentist in Sacramento may recommend this therapy in combination with other treatments, such as oral appliances or lifestyle changes, for the best results.
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Many people with sleep apnea may benefit from myofunctional therapy, but it is particularly helpful for certain groups. Those who may see improvement include:
- People with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Individuals who snore regularly
- Children with mouth breathing or tongue thrust issues
- Patients who have trouble adjusting to CPAP therapy
Our dentist in Sacramento can assess whether myofunctional therapy is a good fit for you based on your symptoms and medical history. While it may not replace CPAP machines or surgery in severe cases, it can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Does Myofunctional Therapy Involve?
Myofunctional therapy requires focused exercises to facilitate proper muscle movement and function in the jaw, tongue, throat, and face. A typical therapy program may include:
- Tongue exercises to improve positioning and strength
- Breathing techniques to encourage nasal breathing
- Throat exercises to reduce airway collapse
- Swallowing exercises to promote proper function
Typically, patients perform these exercises several times a day over a period of weeks or months. Our dentist in Sacramento or a trained myofunctional therapist can guide patients through the process and track their progress.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
The time it takes to see results from myofunctional therapy varies from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvements in their breathing and sleep quality within a few weeks, while others may need several months to achieve significant changes.
Consistency is essential. Performing the exercises as instructed and following our dentist’s recommendations can increase the likelihood of success. For those who combine myofunctional therapy with other treatments, such as oral appliances or lifestyle modifications, results may be even more noticeable.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Compare to Other Sleep Apnea Treatments?
There are several traditional treatments for sleep apnea, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common include:
CPAP Therapy
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine keeps the respiratory tract open by delivering a constant flow of air. While effective, many people find it uncomfortable or difficult to use.
Oral Appliances
Our dentist in Sacramento may prescribe an oral appliance that repositions the jaw to keep the airway open. This option is often more comfortable than a CPAP machine but may not be suitable for everyone.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgical procedures may be required to remove excess tissue or reposition the airway structures.
Compared to these treatments, myofunctional therapy is non-invasive and has no side effects. While it may not be a complete solution for severe sleep apnea, it can be an effective part of a broader treatment plan.
Are There Any Risks or Downsides to Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is generally safe and has minimal risks. However, it requires commitment and consistency to be effective. Some potential downsides include:
- The need for daily exercises, which may be difficult for some people to maintain
- Limited effectiveness for severe sleep apnea cases
- A longer time frame for noticeable results compared to immediate treatments like CPAP therapy
Our dentist in Sacramento can help determine if myofunctional therapy is appropriate for your specific condition and needs.
How to Get Started with Myofunctional Therapy
If you are interested in trying myofunctional therapy for sleep apnea, the first step is to consult with our dentist in Sacramento. Dr. Mickiewicz can assess your condition and recommend a customized treatment plan.
Dr. Mickiewicz may refer you to a myofunctional therapist, who will guide you through the exercises and monitor your progress. Regular follow-ups will help ensure that you are getting the most benefit from the therapy.
Need Myofunctional Therapy? Talk to a Dentist in Sacramento, CA, Now!
If you are looking for an alternative or complementary treatment for sleep apnea, consider speaking with our dentist in Sacramento about myofunctional therapy. Click here to request a sleep apnea consultation, or reach Timothy Mickiewicz, D.D.S., at (916) 469-9178 for booking and information.
