Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
Snoring is a common occurrence among people all over the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. Snoring can be a sign of a serious sleep breathing disorder that increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke, among other health issues. Thankfully, proper treatment manages the condition and helps you get the restful night’s sleep that your body deserves. So today on the blog, find out what’s really causing your snoring and how our Royal Oak sleep apnea dentist can help.
What causes snoring?
There are less serious causes of snoring. Typically, these individuals only snore occasionally, due to causes such as allergies, the common cold or excess alcohol consumption. But chronic snoring that occurs night after night could point to a sleep-breathing disorder referred to as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA for short.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
OSA is caused when soft tissue blocks or restricts the airways, which reduces airflow. And as you breathe, the air vibrates the soft tissue, which results in snoring and restricted airflow.
Causes of soft tissue blockage in the airway may include:
- A deviated septum
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- A narrow dental arch
- Poor tongue posture
- A tongue-tie
Depending on the exact cause of your snoring, surgical intervention may be necessary to clear the blockage. Otherwise, non-invasive treatment is available.
Is sleep apnea serious?
Ignoring your snoring could mean that you’re putting yourself at risk of developing serious diseases like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, dementia and even certain types of cancer. Snoring is also a sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which strains your organs, making them work harder. Unfortunately, this results in systemic low-grade inflammation, which is the precursor for these serious, life-threatening diseases. Additionally, snoring disrupts the brain from REM sleep, which is the deepest and most crucial stage of sleep, leaving the sufferer chronically fatigued, affecting memory, function, and mood.
How can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Dr. Nancy Hartrick, a Royal Oak airway dentist, can perform an assessment of your airway to determine if you are at risk of sleep apnea. Depending on the findings, Dr. Hartrick may refer patients to undergo an official sleep study. Although only a qualified sleep specialist can officially diagnose sleep apnea, dentists trained in airway management can provide treatment. Hartrick Dentistry prefers to treat sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. If you do in fact have sleep apnea, Dr. Hartrick will recommend an oral appliance that is worn while sleeping to help open the airway and increase airflow. The appliance is custom-made from impressions of your mouth. The idea is that it gently repositions your lower jaw to prevent your airway from collapsing. Some oral appliances meant to manage sleep apnea are adjustable for your changing treatment needs. Dr. Hartrick will help determine which oral appliance is best for you.
Sleep apnea treatment in Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan
If you snore or suspect that you may have sleep apnea, the first step you should take is to schedule a sleep apnea screening with Dr. Hartrick. She has helped countless patients manage their sleep apnea, reduce snoring, and rest better with oral appliance therapy. To learn more or to schedule your screening, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950 or visit our website.