Snoring is a sign of restricted airflow and impeded breathing during sleep. Snoring can result in excessive daytime sleepiness.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can affect your sleep, health, and quality of life. It has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, work and driving related accidents, and stroke. It can have significant impact on quality-of-life, placing strain on relationships between bed partners, family and the workplace.
What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea? During sleep, the body's muscles relax causing the soft tissue of the tongue and throat area to collapse, obstructing the airway. (Stopping breathing.) The body reacts to the closure of the airway by disrupting deep sleep enough to start breathing again but deprives the sufferer of getting a "good night's sleep."
Treatment of Sleep Apnea and Snoring The CPAP Machine is recommended for treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea. There are many oral appliances available to treat snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and in cases where CPAP has not been tolerated. What people like about oral appliances is that they fit entirely inside the mouth, they are portable, they do not use electricity or make noise that would bother a sleeping partner, and they allow the wearer to change sleeping positions.
At Brentwood Dental Center, Dr. Mark Warden and his experienced staff can fit you with an appliance to eliminate snoring and treat your sleep apnea. Call today for a complementary consultation to discuss any of your dental concerns. (615) 373-8307