When you snore frequently, this could drive your significant other crazy, and could also indicate the presence of a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fortunately, our team can offer a diagnosis and a comfortable, noninvasive treatment option. In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist talks about snoring treatment.
The Causes of Snoring
Snoring occurs when airways are partially blocked by airflow as we sleep. This could occur due to a number of factors, such as neck circumference, obesity, sleep position (more likely when we’re on our backs as opposed to our sides), excessive alcohol consumption before bed, and the presence of OSA. To make sure this isn’t related to a sleep disorder, we suggest making an appointment so we can examine your smile and oral structures, and see if you benefit from a treatment option.
The Connection with Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea means that as you breathe the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat collapse and cut off airflow completely. People stop breathing completely for a few seconds until the brain wakes them. While they may not remember walking up, this happens hundreds of times in one night for some, leaving them exhausted and sleep deprived due to these interruptions in the REM cycle. Snoring is often a warning sign, as are headaches, dry mouth, waking up choking or gasping for air, daytime exhaustion, trouble concentrating, and moodiness. When these other symptoms arise, please let us know. After all, untreated OSA is linked to far more than daytime tiredness. You could eventually be more likely to develop a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, heart disease, and in extreme cases, stroke and heart attack.
Oral Appliance Therapy
To help bring relief, we opt for a more comfortable option than the typically CPAP machine. Our team will take detailed digital images of your mouth from multiple angles, and combining them to create a detailed 3D model. In a dental lab, we use these information and images to design and craft an oral appliance, one that looks and fits like a mouthguard. The device will actually reposition the jaw, moving it forward to keep airways open to stop snoring and sleep apnea issues. You feel more rested and alert, and avoid the symptoms of OSA. If you have any questions about treating snoring and OSA, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk to Your Allen, TX Dentist About Treating Sleep Disorders
Our team is ready to help you feel more rested and alert with oral appliance therapy. If you want to know more about enjoying a good night’s rest again, or if you are ready to book an appointment, contact your Allen, TX, dentist, Dr. Torrens-Parker, by calling 469-342-6644.
