If you snore on a regular basis, this could be a sign of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Which is why treatment to help control your snoring is so helpful. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about how we help people stop snoring and protect them from the complications of sleep apnea.
The Causes of Your Chronic Snore
Do you snore on a nightly basis? This occurs when soft tissues partially block air passages while we sleep. As we breathe, this forces air through these passages and vibrates the soft tissues to create a loud sound. This could prevent your significant other from gaining the rest needed to feel functional and alert, and could also indicate the presence of a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. If you snore frequently, we urge you to schedule a diagnosis with our team!
Sleep Apnea Connections
Sleep apnea means these same soft tissues completely block airflow, so you stop breathing briefly until the brain wakes you once it registers the sudden drop in oxygen. While you may not remember this, it could happen hundreds of times a night and interrupt your sleep cycle frequently so you’re more likely to feel exhausted the next day. Sleep apnea is also linked to headaches, dry mouth trouble concentrating, irritability, and episodes of waking in the night gasping for air or choking. When you experience these symptoms, let us know right away!
Possible Treatment Options
Our team will carefully examine your smile with digital technology, so we can diagnose the presence of OSA and identify the factors behind your snoring. For many, we can offer relief with a comfortable and noninvasive oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is crafted based on detailed digital images we take of your mouth using the 3Shape Trios digital imaging system. We combine these images or create a 3D model, which we use to design the appliance. The device then shifts the jaw and tongue forward to keep airways open and free of obstruction, so you can breathe without interruption or snoring.
Preventive Actions
You can also help by sleeping on your side instead of your back, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and going to bed in a dark and cool bedroom, preferably one free of screens too. In the two hours before bed, avoid caffeine, excessive amounts of alcohol, large meals, or vigorous exercise. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.
FIND A SLEEP APNEA SOLUTION IN LIVONIA, MI
We would love to help you avoid snoring and OSA episodes. Ask your dentist about whether an oral appliance is right for you with a call to (734)425-4400, and schedule an appointment with Dr. James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI!
