Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
We all experience a bit of snoring from time to time, especially when sick or congested. However, snoring also can be a sign of a more serious disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. Your Royal Oak sleep apnea dentist at Hartrick Dentistry wants you to know when snoring becomes scary, and what you should do about it.
What causes snoring?
Snoring usually occurs when the airway is restricted or blocked either by excess fat around the neck, natural anatomy or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. However, sometimes the airway becomes blocked as a result of a collapsed airway, which occurs when the lower jaw falls backward during sleep.
How do I know if I snore?
If you live alone, you likely will find it difficult to learn whether you snore or not. However, snoring results in cutting off airflow to the body, which causes the brain to wake out of deep sleep. When this happens several or more times a night, it results in chronic daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing, memory problems and more. If you have a partner, however, ask them if you snore. Since snoring is the number one indicator of a sleep breathing disorder, it’s best to get it checked out to protect your long-term health.
Why is snoring dangerous?
Snoring can be dangerous because it means that your body and brain aren’t receiving enough oxygen. When this happens, it increases your risk of diseases and ailments including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It even can lead to certain types of cancer and death, especially when left untreated.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
At Hartrick Dentistry, Dr. Hartrick can perform an airway evaluation or a sleep study to determine how well you’re breathing when you sleep. If sleep apnea is discovered, we can discuss treatment options that are non-invasive, and that does not involve the use of a CPAP machine.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Dr. Hartrick prefers to treat sleep apnea with a custom-made oral appliance that can be worn while you sleep. The purpose of the appliance is to reposition the lower jaw during sleep, which facilitates an open airway. The oral appliance is comfortable to wear, and convenient since it does not require any cords or electricity to work, unlike the CPAP. Plus, an oral appliance for sleep apnea will not make any noise, therefore, does not interfere with your partner’s sleep either.
What should I do if I think I have sleep apnea?
If you experience symptoms associated with this sleep breathing disorder, do not ignore it. Get help by seeking an evaluation with us at Hartrick Dentistry. Sleep apnea dentist in Royal Oak, Dr. Hartrick, can provide a simple evaluation to determine if you have sleep apnea, and then provide treatment that not only helps you rest better but improves your health by decreasing your risk of certain diseases and ailments.
Sleep Apnea Screening in Royal Oak
To learn more about sleep apnea or to receive a screening, please call Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950. We welcome patients of Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan.