Do you snore on a regular basis? Besides depriving your significant other of a good night’s rest, you could be suffering from a serious disorder known as sleep apnea. But our team can help with a custom oral appliance! In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about treating your snoring and sleep apnea.
The Factors Behind Snoring
Snoring occurs when your airways become partially blocked by soft tissues. When this occurs, air is forced through as you breathe, vibrating these tissues and creating a loud sound. Resting on your back could be the culprit, as could obesity, a large neck circumference, sinus or allergy issues, a deviated septum, or even poor sleep habits. For example, in the two hours before bed avoid eating large meals, consuming too much alcohol or caffeinated products, or engaging in vigorous exercise. But if you snore on a nightly basis, this could be connected to a serious disorder.
The Potential Link to a Sleep Disorder
Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing briefly several times a night, interrupting their sleep cycle even if they don’t remember this happening. These constant interruptions leave you sleep deprived and exhausted during the day. You’re moody and may have trouble concentrating on tasks at work or school. You could also experience snoring, headaches, dry mouth, and gasping for air in the night or waking up choking. When this happens, let us know right away so we can diagnose your sleep apnea. Otherwise, this can continue to impact your quality of life and eventually, place major stress on both your immune and cardiovascular system.
Good Sleep with an Oral Appliance
Our team wants to provide a treatment that is convenient and comfortable, easy to use, clean, and store. The oral appliance isn’t loud or cumbersome like a CPAP machine, and instead fits like a mouthguard. When worn at night, the device repositions the jaw to keep airways open, moving your jaw and tongue forward. You then breathe without interruption and feel more rested and relaxed the next day. You can also help by sleeping on your side, keeping your bedroom dark and cool, and resisting the urge to look at screens right before bed.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like chronic snoring and sleep apnea, then contact our team today to learn. You deserve a good night’s rest and we want to help!
Speak With Your Katy, TX, Dentist About Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Don’t let your sleep apnea leave you sleep deprived, talk to our team about treatment! For more information on improving how you rest at night with a custom oral appliance, please call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at (832) 437-3849 to schedule a visit.
