Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
Snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, a serious medical condition. The most prevalent kind of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), although there are also other varieties, including central and mixed. When you have obstructive sleep apnea, your airway is partly blocked, preventing air from entering or leaving your lungs easily. This may generate the vibration and sound that is characteristic of snoring. Even though snoring may seem like a harmless nocturnal activity, it could negatively affect your oral and overall health and wellness. Dr. Nancy Hartrick shares on the blog today why you should see a Royal Oak airway dentist if you snore so that you can protect your smile and your health.
Sleep Apnea is Characterized by Loud Snoring
Snoring may not always indicate sleep apnea. Half of the 90 million individuals in the United States who snore suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. However, snoring is a common sleep apnea sign, so seeing our sleep apnea dentist in Birmingham may help you figure out whether you have the condition and whether or not you require treatment. Depending on your sleep apnea severity, we may be able to help cure it and minimize or eliminate your snoring so that both you and your sleeping partner can get a better night’s rest.
The Dangers of Ignoring Snoring
Ignoring snoring due to its association with sleep apnea might be harmful to your health. Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, is associated with several serious medical conditions like diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Our Royal Oak dentist that treats sleep apnea explains that this is because the breathing interruption associated with OSA stops your body from receiving the necessary oxygen and inhibits you from experiencing true rest at night. The effects may include daily sleepiness, weight gain, psychological issues, and even a rise in the likelihood of accidental injury. If you are a chronic snorer, you must get a professional evaluation and treatment to protect your health.
Oral Appliance Therapy Could Be Beneficial
Sleep apnea is often treated using a CPAP machine. However, these devices are often loud and inconvenient to use throughout the night. If you have mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea, our Birmingham dentist who treats sleep apnea may be able to assist you with oral appliance treatment. An oral appliance is a piece of equipment designed specifically for your teeth and gums to realign your jaw. You wear it like a retainer at night to keep your airway clear while you sleep. Reducing sleep apnea symptoms with oral appliance treatment may have a significant positive impact on your life quality.
Sleep Apnea Screenings in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan
A visit to our Royal Oak dental office for a checkup could be in order if you snore. If we suspect you have sleep apnea, we may refer you to a sleep specialist who can diagnose your condition and determine its severity. If you qualify, we will be happy to collaborate with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that includes oral appliance therapy. To find out more about your snoring and whether or not it might be caused by OSA, contact Hartrick Dentistry right away. Please call our office at (248) 549-0950 or contact us online to request an appointment.