When you snore frequently, this could potentially mean you’re suffering from a serious sleep disorder. Without care, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms and even strain your immune and cardiovascular systems. In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist talks about treating snoring and sleep apnea.
Snoring
We all snore sometimes, but when this happens on a nightly basis, this could not only drive your significant other carry, but indicates the presence of a sleep disorder. We snore when our airways are partially constructed, usually through the collapse of soft tissues. As air is forced through, this creates a loud sound. If you experience this on a nightly basis, then talk to us about possible treatment.
The Link With Sleep Apnea
With OSA, as you sleep the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and throat collapse and completely cut off airflow. You actually stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes you up. You may remember this happening, waking suddenly gasping for air or choking, but often this occurs without you ever remembering it. This then leaves you feeling exhausted in the daytime, and over time, could strain your immune and cardiovascular system. You’re not only more susceptible to illness, but also heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke or heart attack. Warning signs include chronic snoring, irritability, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, headaches, and dry mouth.
Better Sleep With an Oral Appliance
If you encounter one or more of the symptoms we’ve looked at in this blog, then give us a call. We will perform a complete and thorough diagnosis, so we can assess the presence and severity of OSA. From there, we can decide on the best treatment option. Instead of the loud and cumbersome CPAP machine, we can offer a custom-made oral appliance, a simple device that looks and fits like a mouthguard. When you sleep, you wear this oral appliance, which then moves your jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. You breathe without interruption, feeling more rested and alert. This improves your quality of life and overall health.
You can also help by resting on your side instead of your back, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, vigorous exercises, or large meals in the two hours before bed, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. If you have any questions about how we treat sleep apnea and snoring, then contact our team today.
Start Your Journey to Better Rest
Our team is eager to help you rest easier and enjoy a better quality of life, and we can often do so with a simple oral appliance. If you have questions about our preventive treatments and sleep solutions, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
