Did you know that snoring can have life threatening consequences? Most people take snoring lightly. It is one of the issues covered in general dentistry. We see it in the movies, laugh about it and fail to consider what really causes snoring to occur among people of all ages. Snoring can develop to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a serious condition that occurs when you have blocked airways that stop breathing completely for a few moments when you sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be experienced by people of all ages. It comes with serious risks including heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure. It’s possible to treat this condition by simple things like losing weight and exercising. A dentist Richmond Hill who specializes in sleep disorders can also help to address issues like snoring.
When should you get help
It’s not all cases of snoring that indicate sleep apnea. There are snoring problems that can be treated with simple approaches like losing weight or simply changing the sleeping posture. The fact is that so many people snore. The only issue comes in when you experience excessive snoring. This kind of snoring is risky because it triggers issues like sleep disturbances and episodes of waking up at night. You may experience fatigue or even be at high risk of conditions like stroke. It is important for you to get help if you do experience excessive snoring.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
If you would like to determine if what you experience is the normal snoring or you may actually be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, below are some warning signs and symptoms to consider:
- You pause from time to time when snoring
- Choking and gasping
- You are always sleepy in school, at work, the entire day
- You fall asleep fast when inactive
- Frequent headaches in the morning
- Mood swings
- Dry mouth and sore throat most mornings
- You wake up frequently to visit the bathroom
- Decreased libido
- Difficulty staying asleep
How a dentist can help
Modern family dentistry has incorporated the use of dental and oral devices that help to address excessive snoring. There are numerous options when it comes to dental devices that treat snoring and each is recommended to a patient depending on their individual needs and how well it fits. One popular device that is used to treat sleep apnea is the mandibular advancement device. It looks like a mouthguard and is designed to ensure the airways remain open so you don’t experience breathing problems when sleeping. The dentist may also recommend a tongue-retaining device. This one is designed to hold the tongue in its rightful position and keep the airway open.
Benefits of dental devices in treating snoring
Dental devices have proven to be very effective in treating snoring. These devices are very useful for people who sleep on the stomach or back and can help the patient to have improved sleeping patterns, reduce the frequency of snoring and ultimately improve their quality of life. If you experience regular snoring, you need to visit your local dental office Richmond Hill and ask for help.