Snoring Treatments can Help Sleep Apnea

Snoring treatment can make a huge difference in the management of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a serious sleep disorder that causes a person's breathing to briefly stop and start back up again repeatedly during the duration of the sleep cycle. Snoring is a common occurrence with apnea due to muscles in the back of the throat that are unable to remain open, which causes the airway to become blocked. It can be dangerous but it is easily treatable with options such as dental appliances, CPAP machines or surgery.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Common symptoms include loud snoring, drowsiness during the day, gasping for air while sleeping, trouble falling and staying asleep and periods of time when breathing stops temporarily. Symptoms such as depression, dry mouth and throat, irritability, headaches, mood swings, insomnia and weight gain also occur frequently with this disorder. It can result in dental problems such as tooth grinding, which can lead to gum recession and worn or broken teeth. This can cause teeth to be more vulnerable to cavities.

Can sleep apnea affect health?

Sleep apnea can affect health because it causes oxygen starvation and interrupted sleep, both of which have been linked to certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It can also cause an increased risk of stroke, congestive heart failure, heart attack, hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia, especially if it is left untreated. Fatigue due to poor sleep can cause numerous health issues as well, including a weakened immune system, difficulty concentrating and trouble doing daily tasks.

What snoring treatment does a dentist provide?

There are several different options available to help treat apnea and snoring. A dentist can help provide an effective snoring treatment and give relief. Form-fitting mouthpieces, known as oral appliances, are a good option for mild to moderate apnea; these are created using a mold of the patient’s mouth and teeth and fit like a mouthguard. They support the jaw and keep it forward, which helps to keep the upper airway open. Dental appliances need consistent monitoring by a dentist to be sure the appliance still fits properly and to assess the patient’s symptoms.

What other treatments are available?

Aside from dental appliances, there are a few other options for treatment. These include CPAP machines and surgery. CPAP machines are devices worn at night that deliver airflow directly into the patient’s throat to keep the airway open. Several different surgical options are available and are usually used if other treatments are not successful.

Conclusion

Snoring, which is caused from throat muscles that cannot stay open and result in a blocked airway, is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea that is easy to treat. There are a variety of snoring treatment options available, including oral appliances that a dentist can create and CPAP devices, as well as different types of surgery. Treating apnea can prevent serious health issues, prevent dental problems and result in better and more restful sleep.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistrypeoria.com or call Peoria Family Dentistry at 623-552-4665 for an appointment in our Peoria office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Snoring Treatment in Peoria, AZ.