Do you often snore at night? If so, this could not only drive your significant other crazy, but this could also indicate the presence of a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about how we help people stop snoring with a custom oral appliance.
The Causes of Your Chronic Snore
Why do we snore? Well, the sound is caused by soft tissues that partially block air passages as we breathe. As a result, air is forced through and vibrates these tissues to create a loud sound. Factors behind snoring include resting on your back instead of your side, excess alcohol consumption before bed, and issues with sinuses, allergies, or a deviated septum. But if this happens on a chronic basis, this could be linked to a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The Link to Sleep Apnea
When people have OSA, they stop breathing for brief periods in the night. The brain wakes them and while they may not remember this happening, it could occur hundreds of times each night. As a result, the person is sleep deprived, which impacts their day-to-day life in a negative fashion. Warning signs include chronic snoring, waking suddenly gasping or choking for air, dry mouth, headaches, irritability, and trouble staying focused on tasks at work or school. Daytime drowsiness is common too. When you experience these symptoms, you need to let us know right away.
Lifestyle Changes
In the meantime, you can help reduce your symptoms by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, caffeine, or large meals in the two hours before bed. Trying to avoid vigorous exercise right before bed is helpful too. You should rest on your side instead of your back, and keep your bedroom dark, cool, and free of screens.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Instead of an uncomfortable and loud CPAP machine, we have a less invasive option to start your snoring and OSA. Our team will take detailed digital images of your smile from multiple angles, and then combine them to create a 3D impression. The impression is used in a dental lab setting to design and fabricate your oral appliance. The device is worn as you sleep and fits like a mouthguard. Once in place, the oral appliance shifts the jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so airways stay open as you rest.
If you have any questions about treating snoring or sleep apnea, then contact our team today to learn more.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT SNORING TREATMENT
Don’t let sleep apnea impact your overall quality of life. If you’re ready to finally rest without difficulty, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.