Are you a snorer? Many people who snore do so on a nightly basis. You may chalk the condition up to allergies, genetics, or simply a personality quirk. In reality, snoring can be caused by a number of different factors, some of which include health conditions. Not every snore is the sign of a larger problem, but in some cases, snoring can be the cause of a treatable disease. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the relaxation of oral tissues while you sleep, and your dentist can actually help you treat the condition. It all starts with a sleep study.
A Sleep Study Allows Health Professionals to Determine the Cause of Your Snore
Sleep studies can be performed at medical facilities, or in some cases, at home. During the study, you will attach a device to yourself while you sleep that allows a professional to monitor the quality of your sleep. If you’re waking up constantly throughout the night, this may be a sign of sleep apnea. These apneatic episodes often occur on a subconscious level, meaning you won’t even realize that you’re waking up. Yet, these constant outbursts may be robbing you of quality sleep and causing your snore.
Sleep Apnea Signs and Associated Health Risks
Sleep apnea can be frustrating and debilitating, mostly because it’s hard to self diagnose. That’s why participating in a sleep study is so important. If you’re someone who snores perpetually, feels fatigued throughout the day, or feels exhausted despite getting eight hours or more of sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. Individuals who have obstructive sleep apnea may be at a higher risk for developing high blood pressure. This can in turn increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Depression and poor liver function are additional signs of the problem.
After Your Sleep Study, Your Dentist Can Treat Your Condition
You may not be looking forward to using a breathing machine to sleep at night. This hardly reduces the inconvenience for your partner at night. In many cases of obstructive sleep apnea, you don’t need a CPAP machine to sleep at night. Your dentist can actually treat the condition with a custom oral appliance. The oral appliance looks and functions much like a mouthguard. You wear the appliance at night to slightly adjust the position of your jaw, opening up your airways as you sleep and preventing apneatic episodes.
Get Treated for Sleep Apnea at Elm Creek Dental
If you’re a chronic snorer, consider participating in a sleep study to determine the cause of your snore. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the team at Elm Creek Dental may be able to treat you. Our staff will fit your for a custom oral appliance to help you get the restorative rest you need. Schedule an appointment for sleep apnea treatment by contacting Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606.