Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Do you snore? Maybe you've woken yourself up with your loud snoring, or your partner has told you that it is causing sleepless nights for others in your home.

While snoring is a frustrating condition on its own, it can also be a sign of a much larger problem—obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious general health condition caused by several factors, including weight gain, large tonsils, a deviated septum, and even genetics. Males are more prone to sleep apnea than females, and people over age 40 are also at higher risk.

When you fall asleep, the soft tissues in your throat relax and cause the vibration that results in snoring. They can also relax to the point that they completely obstruct your airway, so you have to struggle to catch your breath. This causes you to wake up multiple times during the night and prevents you from getting the restful sleep your body needs.

If your partner reports that your snoring is uneven or that you start and stop snoring abruptly, you should schedule an appointment to determine if you have sleep apnea. A sleep study may be necessary to determine the severity of your condition.

Other common symptoms that can point to obstructive sleep apnea include:

A dry or sore throat when you wake up
Daytime drowsiness
Headaches throughout the day
Mood swings and irritability
Difficulty concentrating

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to numerous other significant health problems, including:

Diabetes
Depression
ADHD
High blood pressure
Heart failure
Stroke

Additionally, poor sleep caused by sleep apnea can lead to fatigue during the day, leading to drowsy driving accidents and problems at work and home.

Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Unfortunately, common treatments for sleep apnea can be uncomfortable or invasive. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are highly effective but noisy and difficult to get used to, and surgery does not have a very high success rate.

Call our office and make an appointment to discuss an oral appliance that may be the solution you need to breathe freely and get a good night's rest.

We customize your oral device for a perfect fit that allows you to wear it comfortably while you sleep. The appliance works by moving your lower jaw slightly forward and helps keep your airway open. Since air can flow freely, it also helps reduce vibration that causes snoring. And unlike a noisy CPAP machine, the appliance won't disturb your partner's sleep.

If you think you might have sleep apnea or you have trouble with snoring, call our office today to find out what we can do to help you have a better night's sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an oral appliance right for treating my sleep apnea?

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are having trouble tolerating CPAP therapy, call our office for an evaluation to find out if an oral appliance is right for you.

How can a dentist treat sleep apnea?

One of the most well-known treatments for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which uses a machine to keep air moving through your airway while you are sleeping. While this treatment is effective, many people fail it for a variety of reasons. Another effective treatment is an oral appliance that is worn while you sleep. This device is customized to fit your mouth and holds your airway open so that you can continue breathing while you sleep.

My partner has told me that I snore. What can I do about it?

Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition called sleep apnea. If you snore and also notice that you have trouble with daytime fatigue or drowsiness, mood swings, and headaches, call your physician to be evaluated for sleep apnea.

We can provide you with a comfortable mouth piece that will open up your airway while you sleep. More oxygen is allowed to enter the bloodstream, and both you and your significant other will rest easier.