When you have chronic snoring, this could be an indicator of a serious disorder known as sleep apnea. Fortunately, our team can offer a comfortable and noninvasive treatment to help you sleep better. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about how we diagnose and treat issues like sleep apnea.
The Causes of Snoring and Sleep Apnea
What causes a person to snore? We snore when airways are partially blocked by soft tissues. As we breathe and air is forced through these partially blocked passages, this creates a loud sound. With sleep apnea, the same soft tissues will completely block airflow, so you stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain essentially wakes you to resume. You may not remember this happening, but this interrupts your REM sleep and leaves you feeling exhausted during the day. These are often related, as chronic snoring could be a warning sign of sleep apnea.
Warning Signs of Trouble
What symptoms should you be aware of? Aside from snoring, you should also let us know if you struggle with daytime drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, and irritability. You could also wake up in the night gasping for air or struggling to breathe, and may have issues concentrating on tasks at work or school, or you could struggle with your memory. When you experience one or more of these potential symptoms, we hope you will reach out to our team right away! Our team can conduct a diagnosis in-office using the Rhino-meter and Pharyngo-meter to assess your airways. We can also send you home with a small device to conduct an at-home sleep test too! Remember, without treatment this could eventually strain your heart health and immune system!
Custom Care with an Oral Appliance
For many, relief is possible with an oral appliance. The device is similar in appearance to a mouthguard, but is custom-fitted for your bite. When worn at night, this can help shift your jaw and tongue forward to keep airways open and free of obstruction. You breathe without interruption and feel more rested and alert the next day. The oral appliance is easy to use and clean, and if you hit the road for a summer vacation, it can travel with you too.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat snoring and sleep apnea, or if you struggle with sleep and daytime drowsiness, then contact our team today. We want to help you feel more rested and refreshed when you wake up.
Schedule Your Visit for Better Sleep
We want to help you avoid the complications of poor sleep. Contact Celina Family Dentistry in Celina, TX by calling 214-851-0130 to schedule your next appointment and enjoy a better night’s rest.
Recent Comments