If you suffer from chronic snoring, you may be surprised to learn that your dentist can help. In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist discusses how we employ oral appliance therapy to provide a solution for chronic snoring and sleep apnea, helping you rest easier and avoid major complications down the road.
The Causes of Snoring
Most of us snore occasionally, but if you do so on a nightly basis, this could be a potential indicator of a sleep disorder that needs attention. Snoring happens when soft tissues in the throat and the back of your mouth end up partially collapsing, blocking airflow as you breathe. This could happen as a result of issues with the growth and development of your soft tissues and oral structures, or due to factors like obesity, alcohol consumption, deviated septum, or sinus and allergy concerns. As air is forced through these constricted passages, this vibrates soft tissues and creates a loud sound.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) means that the air passages become completely blocked as you sleep. You actually stop breathing for several seconds, until the brain wakes you after registering the drop in oxygen. You may not remember waking up, but this could interrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted. For some, this happens hundreds of times in one night! Warning signs include a nightly snore, headaches, dry mouth, moodiness, and trouble focusing on tasks during the day. Daytime drowsiness is common too. Over time, the disorder places pressure on your immune system, so more frequent illness is common. For others, the stain could impact your cardiovascular system, causing an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.
Creating an Oral Appliance
To address these concerns, we will thoroughly examine your smile and oral structures with advanced digital technology, including digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We then offer a diagnosis with accuracy and precision. For many, we tackle snoring and sleep apnea with an oral appliance. The device is custom-made based on the digital images we take of your smile. They will look like mouthguards, and be custom-fitted for your smile. Worn at night, the device fits comfortably and repositions the jaw to keep airways open and free of obstruction as you sleep! If you have any questions about addressing your sleep issues, or about our custom appliance therapy, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Sleep Disorders?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a good night’s rest, which is why the team at Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY provides treatment for issues like chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Contact our office at (516) 433-2211 to schedule your appointment today.
