If you or someone you know is snoring…go to the dentist! This may not be your first thought, but it can be a life-saving decision.
While snoring obviously disturbs the snorer’s slumber, it can also have very serious effects on a person’s risk of having high blood pressure, heart problems or even stroke. This is because snoring can be the result of sleep apnea; a serious stoppage in breathing that disrupts the flow of oxygen to the circulatory system and brain.
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. However, everyone who has sleep apnea snores, so it is still important that you visit with one of the doctors of Groton Wellness Dental Spa if you have any of the following signs and/or symptoms:
- Your partner/other household members complain about your snoring.
- You have headaches frequently when you wake up.
- You feel excessively tired during the day like you could take a nap anytime.
- You have a dry mouth/sore throat often in the morning.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring is most often caused by the over-relaxation of the muscles and soft tissue in your mouth and throat. In fact, the most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when there is intermittent – or even prolonged – partial obstruction of breathing during sleep. Enlarged tonsils, sinus issues, polyps or other obstacles to normal breathing can cause this type of sleep apnea.
How can snoring be treated?
At Groton Wellness we can be a partner to help you or someone you know stop snoring. Certain lifestyle changes may be all that is necessary to help certain patients stop snoring. A change in sleeping position – from the back to either side – may be all that is necessary to cease occurrences of snoring. Weight Control may be also a crucial undertaking for those patients who struggle with obesity. Facial shape and structure may also play a role in the severity of snoring and/or sleep apnea.
A simple dental appliance can be custom made for you and can be very effective in preventing snoring. This mouthpiece (similar to an athlete’s mouthguard) is worn at night and helps keep the airway open and unobstructed. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or if you wish to stop snoring, contact our office to schedule an appointment for an appliance evaluation.
