Have you developed snoring problems or experienced trouble sleeping? If so, you could be at risk for sleep apnea. Beyond the annoying sound, is it possible that snoring could be a sign of something more serious? The short answer is — maybe!
Sleep relaxes the muscles that are responsible for keeping your airways open. While your airway is narrow, tissue vibrates as you breathe. This is the sound of snoring; something is restricting your airflow while you sleep.
Snoring can be a warning sign that you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The condition is caused by a temporary blockage of your airway, causing breathing to cease a few times during the night. As a result, the brain is depleted of oxygen. Heart attacks, strokes and other health problems are associated with noisy or long-term snoring.
According to Dr. Robert L. Owens of the Sleep Disorders Research Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, it’s certainly a possibility. In his words, “Most people who snore don’t have obstructive sleep apnea, but most people who have apnea snore.”
If your snoring is disruptive enough to keep your bed partner from sleeping, it’s time to take action. Our team at DMD Family Dentistry offers a complimentary consultation to help evaluate your sleep issues. There are some signs of sleep apnea, which can include:
Yes! We offer a convenient and comfortable solution to help our clients sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed. You’ll be shocked at the difference a good night’s sleep can make in your life with the help of sleep apnea treatment.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are commonly prescribed as a treatment for OSA. These machines, however effective, are far from comfortable. In order to maintain positive air pressure while sleeping, patients are required to wear a bulky facemask connected to an electric device. The need for consistent maintenance and cleaning coupled with trying to find comfortable positions while wearing it make this a less appealing choice.
If you’re looking to treat sleep apnea without CPAP, we offer an FDA-approved device that’s more like a mouthguard for convenient and simple use.
Using a customized oral appliance, we will keep your jaw in a forward position while you sleep, so your airway remains open for a restful, uninterrupted sleep. We use a highly effective, small, portable, quiet and comfortable device. Benefits include:
If you or a loved one needs sleep apnea solutions, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
We look forward to meeting you.Call 305.317.9887 or schedule your appointment online. We’ll be in touch soon.