Do you often wake up feeling like you were not able to rest at all? Or does your spouse wake you up frequently due to their loud snoozing? If you or a loved one suffers from sleep disturbances due to snoring, your dentist may be able to help. In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, family dentist is here to talk about this sleep problem.
The harsh sounds coming from your mouth at night may be due to blocked airways. If you have tried to improve your nighttime habits but are still experiencing this problem, it is time to seek professional help.
How Can Your Dentist Help
Snoring happens when your airways become blocked as you try to breathe at night. This may happen if your tongue gets in the way, or because of the tissues in your nose and oral cavity. Other factors that contribute to this problem include smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. If your problem persists after improving your lifestyle habits, professional intervention may be needed.
You may be wondering what your dentist has to do with your sleep disorder. Snoring can actually have a negative impact on your oral health. Your dentist may be able to diagnose the problem based on visual indicators and other symptoms that you describe. Then, they can create a helpful treatment to improve the issue. This may be achieved with the help of a custom snore guard.
Can Snoring Indicate Something More?
When you snore, it can cause you to breathe with an open mouth. As a result, you may notice that you have chronic dry mouth. This can lead to a higher susceptibility of tooth decay and gum disease, as not enough saliva is produced to protect your oral cavity.
If you are snoring loudly, persistently, or waking up others, it could be a sign that you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disorder causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night and can cause major health problems if left unaddressed.
How A Snore Guard Can Help
After your condition has been diagnosed, treatment can be discussed. For many patients, a night guard can help reduce symptoms and lead to better sleep. This will be crafted to fit your smile. You will wear this appliance every night. It will help keep your jaw and tongue in place, which helps keep your airways open. If you have mild OSA, this guard can be used to help your symptoms as well. Many patients find that it is more comfortable than a CPAP machine typically used to treat this disorder.
Talk To Your Dentist About A Solution
Talk to your team at Allen Family Dentistry in Allen, TX, today at 469.342.6644. We can help diagnose and treat your snoring problem without surgery.
