So what exactly does your nightly snoring mean? Here’s why you might not want to ignore
snoring, especially if this habit is disrupting your life.

Sleep Apnea

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. Although there are three
different types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. Obstructive
sleep apnea happens when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked when sleeping,
which can lead to snoring.

When OSA is present, a person will actually stop breathing during the night and the body will
wake itself up to begin breathing regularly again. This stopping and starting of breathing can be
very jarring for the body and has the potential to lead to a variety of unpleasant health
symptoms.

Conditions Linked to Sleep Apnea

When the body pauses breathing so many times during sleep, oxygen levels in the blood drop.
Since sleep apnea causes the body undue stress due to cessation of breathing, several different
chronic health conditions have been associated with sleep apnea. These include:

 Heart disease
 Headaches
 High blood pressure
 Stroke
 Obesity
 Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
 Diabetes

Since many sufferers of sleep apnea also feel very fatigued during the day, there is an increased
chance for accidents such as car accidents during waking hours.

While not everyone who snores will have sleep apnea—and not everyone who has sleep apnea
will snore—it’s imperative to attain a proper diagnosis for your symptoms before jumping to
conclusions or receiving any type of treatment.

What Else Could Snoring Mean?

Snoring doesn’t always mean sleep apnea is present. Snoring can be caused by uniquely formed
nasal passages, such as people who have a deviated septum, who may be more prone to
snoring.

People who frequently have sinus infections may also be more likely to snore. Having muscles
in the throat that relax too much—which can be caused by medications such as narcotics as
well as alcohol consumption—can also cause the airway to collapse during sleep.

Being overweight is also a risk factor for snoring, as excess tissue around the neck and throat
can depress the airway while sleeping.

In order to discover the true cause of your snoring, the first step is often the dentist. Dentists
often come into contact with sleep apnea and while they can talk with you about your
symptoms, you’ll be referred to a sleep specialist for an official diagnosis.

Your dentist can, however, assist you with treating sleep apnea with oral appliances, which help
to keep the airway open during sleep, stop your cessation of breathing, and over time, decrease
your symptoms. Are you worried that you suffer from sleep apnea as a result of snoring? Don’t
wait to get your symptoms evaluated—you can start feeling better with the right treatment!

The post Your Nightly Snoring Could Mean More Than You Think appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Men with a Family History

Men are much more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea, although it’s not strictly known why this is. Men who have a family history of sleep apnea are even more likely, as certain genetic factors may contribute to the disorder. Older men (age 60 and above) are particularly at risk. Men who have a family history of sleep apnea and experience any of the symptoms including loud snoring, headaches, dry mouth, and daytime fatigue should see their doctor or dentist to determine if they have sleep apnea.

People with Small-Structured Airways

People with airways in their sinuses that are smaller than normal may be at risk for sleep apnea. These small-structured airways can create an increased risk for congestion, particularly if you suffer from allergies, colds, or sinus issues, and especially if you smoke. Without treatment, sleep apnea has the potential to damage your quality of life and hinder your health into old age. Untreated sleep apnea could result in high blood pressure, an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, and diabetes.

People with Certain Lifestyle Factors

There are certain lifestyle factors that will increase your risk for sleep apnea. They include:

– Obesity. People who are overweight are more at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a type of sleep apnea that occurs because excess tissue of the mouth and throat can relax during sleep and cause airways to become blocked.

– Smoking. People who make may be more at risk for sleep apnea, as the nicotine can cause relaxation among the muscles that keep your airways accessible.

– Alcohol. Alcohol and other sedatives such as sleeping medications can also relax the muscles in your airway.

Lifestyle factors are things that you can change. Take advantage of the power you have over your health and minimize your risk for sleep apnea by exercising, quit smoking if you’re a smoker, and decrease your alcohol intake.

What Can You Do?

Dentists are actually often the first people who detect there may be a problem with sleep apnea. It’s always best to be open with your physicians about what symptoms you’re experiencing. Your dentist can refer you to a specialist to confirm whether or not you have sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help you with some lifestyle changes or fit you with a dental appliance. A dental appliance can help reposition your jaw to help increase airflow and alleviate your sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that should not go undiagnosed—it can be life-threatening and damaging to your health. If you’re at risk or are experiencing symptoms, speak with your dentist or doctor today to get the treatment you need to stay healthy.

The post Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While a CPAP device is the primary means of treating sleep apnea, some patients do not use the device every night like they should. They feel that the device is uncomfortable. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to cardiovascular and other health problems if not treated. For minor to moderate cases of the disease, an oral appliance may be a more comfortable option. What is a sleep apnea dental appliance, and how does it work? Read on to learn more.

What Is a Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance?

If a person suffers from snoring or a mild form of sleep apnea, they may be able to get relief with an oral appliance. Please note that those who suffer from severe OSA will need to use a CPAP device or perhaps even have surgery. There are various types of oral appliances to help with a less serious form of this condition. They need to be fitted properly by a dentist or another qualified medical professional.

How Do Oral Devices Work?

Most devices relieve the sleep apnea by adjusting the way a person’s mandible is positioned. By keeping the lower jaw stable, the device keeps the mouth from opening during sleep and encourages the tongue to stay in position. Some may also be specifically designed to keep the tongue in place so that it can not fall back and cause a stoppage in breathing. The devices generally have a retainer-like appearance. Most people, however, say that an oral appliance is more comfortable to wear to sleep than a CPAP machine.

Do I Really Need to Treat My Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Most definitely! Numerous studies have linked OSA to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is the number one killer in America, making it a good idea to treat any risk factors that you can. Also, OSA can lead to a feeling of drowsiness throughout the day. It can lead to dangers while driving and operating heavy machinery. Plus, it is tough on productivity and can affect job performance. Do not forget that your condition does not only affect you. Your partner is also likely having trouble sleeping thanks to your snoring and breathing stoppages. Many partners are forced to sleep in another room to get a good night’s rest, which can put a strain on any relationship.

As you can see, sleep apnea dental appliances are a very important tool for treating a condition that could become life threatening if not taken care of, and as such you should discuss treatment options with your sleep apnea dentist during your next appointment.

The post What is a Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.