The Truth About Snoring (And What You Can Do About It)
You might not hear yourself snore, but your partner definitely does. While it’s easy to laugh it off or chalk it up to sleeping in the wrong position, snoring can signal something more serious. Keep reading to learn what causes snoring and how a small dental device could help you sleep better.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Snoring
Snoring happens when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep, often because the jaw has relaxed and soft tissues have collapsed inward. This forces air through a narrow space and creates vibrations in the throat. Many people snore only occasionally for various reasons, but for some patients, snoring is chronic and could indicate a deeper health issue.
What is Sleep Apnea?
If you snore loudly and frequently, you may have a condition called sleep apnea, in which your airway closes off completely while you’re asleep and prevents you from getting enough oxygen throughout the night. Most people with sleep apnea don’t remember waking up during the night, but their bodies are forced to do so—sometimes dozens of times per hour—just to start breathing again.
Your sleep apnea condition may be mild, moderate, or severe, and you may be experiencing the side effects during the day and not even realize it. Sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Memory issues or irritability
- High blood pressure or weight gain
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
The Solution to Sleep Apnea Is Simpler Than You May Think
At Rivercrest Family Dental, we can fit you for a custom oral appliance that will reduce or even eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms. An oral appliance is small, comfortable, and easy to wear, and we may be able to fit you for one in under an hour.
The appliance comes in two pieces—one for your upper teeth and one for your lower. It gently holds your jaw in a position that keeps your airway open throughout the night, helping you breathe more easily and sleep more soundly.
Watch the video here to see how it works.
Why Many Patients Are Replacing Their CPAP
CPAP therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea, but it isn’t right for everyone. An oral appliance is quiet, travel-friendly, and doesn’t require electricity or additional equipment. For many patients, an oral appliance is the easier and more sustainable option to treat their sleep apnea.
If you’re concerned about your snoring, or your partner’s, call our dental office located in New Braunfels, TX to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you find the best path forward for more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
