It is a common misconception that snoring is a sign of getting good sleep. These sounds coming from your nose and mouth at night can decrease your quality of rest and may negatively affect your overall health. If your or a loved one’s slumber is frequently interrupted by loud snoozes, it may be time to see a professional. Your team at Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, is here today to explain what to expect when seeking treatment for this condition.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Your dentist does more than keep your gums and teeth healthy. They can also help address sleep issues, such as snoring. If you frequently snooze loudly, you can discuss these problems with your team. They may use these symptoms and ask other questions to assess the problem. Some common side effects of snoring may include fatigue, headache, or persistent dry mouth. During your biannual cleaning and examination, they may be able to notice visible signs of this problem. For example, symptoms such as dry mouth may cause you to develop cavities more often. They can use these signs to diagnose the problem and determine what a helpful treatment plan may be. In many cases, an oral appliance may be able to help.
Determining If It Is A Snoring Problem Or OSA
Snoring is a problem that affects thousands of people. Although it is common, it should not be ignored. This problem can disrupt your sleep and your overall well-being. In some cases, it could be a symptom of a more serious disorder. If your sounds of slumber are often loud or wake family members up, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA causes you to periodically stop breathing at night. This condition can be worrisome as it may cause problems for your health, so it is important to speak with a professional as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and begin treatment. Not all patients who snore have sleep apnea, but loud and frequent snoozing is a significant indicator of this problem.
How An Oral Appliance Can Help
These problems may be treated with a custom oral appliance. This is a non-invasive treatment option that helps keep your airways open at night. This tool may be more comfortable than a CPAP machine, which is an alternative method to treat OSA. CPAP machines help keep a steady flow of oxygen. However, they can be bulky and may not be convenient for all patients. Oral appliances are custom fit to your smile needs and may be more comfortable.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
To learn more about your treatment options, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.