Is Snoring Related to My Oral Health?
If you or your partner (or both) snore, you’re not alone: around 90 million Americans snore. Although you may think of snoring as just a nuisance, it can have serious consequences and may be an indication of a more serious underlying health condition: sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep breathing disorder in which your breathing is disrupted up to hundreds of times throughout the night while you sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Is Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is a common side effect in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring occurs as the muscles in the back of your throat relax and interfere with proper breathing, which causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce that snoring sound. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Only a qualified sleep medicine professional can help you make this determination, often after a sleep study.
How Can I Treat Chronic Snoring?
If you suffer from chronic snoring, our team may be able to help. We offer sleep apnea evaluations to help you determine if you’re experiencing sleep apnea. After diagnoses, we may be able to create an oral appliance that gently shifts the position of your jaw while you sleep to correct your breathing, alleviate snoring, and help you get the rest you deserve.
At Red Oak Dentistry, our care extends beyond just your mouth and teeth. If you believe you may be experiencing sleep apnea, our highly qualified team can conduct a thorough evaluation of your mouth and airway to help you get the sleep you’ll need. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next visit, contact our office today!