Do you often snore at night? Not only does this torment your significant other, but this could also indicate the presence of a serious disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist talks about how we improve your rest with one of our custom-made snore guards.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
We snore because the airways in our throat and nose have become partially blocked by soft tissues. As air is forced through when we breathe, this vibrates the soft tissues and creates a loud sound. This is related to OSA because with sleep apnea, the same air passages become completely blocked by soft tissues so the person actually stops breathing completely for a few seconds until the brain wakes them. While few people remember waking, this interrupts the sleep cycle and causes exhaustion, as this happens hundreds of times a night for some people. Without treatment, these disorders could be linked to daytime drowsiness, irritability, headaches, dry mouth, trouble concentrating, and in the long-term, a weakened immune and cardiovascular system. Long-term sufferers could be more susceptible to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
The Snore Guard
To help prevent snoring and limit the impact of sleep apnea, we could recommend a snore guard. This device will look and fit much like a simple mouthguard, and is custom-made based on detailed digital images and measurements we take of your smile. The guard is worn at night and helps shift the position of the jaw, moving it forward to keep air passages open and prevent you from experiencing breathing issues. You then breathe without interruption, avoiding snoring, and obtaining better rest.
Other Helpful Habits
You can also take further steps to help prevent sleep issues. First, maintain a regular sleep schedule which means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. You should keep your bedroom dark and cool, and avoid screens right before bed or in bed. Be sure in the two hours before laying down you avoid caffeine, large meals, excessive amounts of alcohol, or vigorous exercise. These actions help you rest a little easier, and could limit the impact of a disorder.
If you have any questions about how we treat your OSA and chronic snoring with a custom-made guard, then contact our team today to learn more. A better night’s rest is always possible!
Talk To Your Allen, TX Dentist About Preventive Dentistry
If you have issues with nightly snores or feeling tired, let us know today. If you want to know more about improving how well you rest, or if you are ready to book an appointment, contact your Allen, TX, dentist, Dr. Torrens-Parker, by calling 469-342-6644.
