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How Serious is Snoring? Learn When You Should See a Doctor for Sleep Apnea Treatment

November 30, 2018

How Serious is Snoring? Learn When You Should See a Doctor for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring happens when the tissues in your throat relax and block the airways, or when there are physical conditions that keep air from flowing correctly, such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum. These types of obstructions can cause the tissues around your airway to vibrate, which is what creates the sound of snoring.

In some cases, snoring is not big deal. In other instances, loud, constant snoring is a sign of what’s known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This condition results in the sleeper not breathing for several seconds – or even longer. The body will wake up to breathe again, which means that the person with OSA comes out of deep sleep repeatedly. This can affect both mental and physical health in the long run.

The impact of sleep apnea

If you have sleep apnea then you could end up with many negative consequences. Many people report that they wake up with a headache, their throat hurts, or they have dry mouth – which can lead to issues with your teeth and increase your chances of getting gum disease. People who do not get enough sleep due to sleep apnea can experience mood swings, depression, and issues with memory.

That’s not the worst part though: Sleep apnea can cause dangerous situations. For example, being tired can result in a person falling asleep while driving or watching their children. Sleep apnea has been linked to several very critical health conditions such as high blood pressure, strokes, and heart disease. When a person has apnea, general anesthesia and even prescription pain medication can be fatal.

See your dentist if you notice any of the following

If you are worried that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea then it is always a good idea to bring it up with your dentist. You should visit your dentist to talk to them about sleep apnea if you snore so loudly that you disturb others or yourself, you wake up gasping for air, you are drowsy all day no matter how much sleep you got, you have pauses between breaths when sleeping, you wake up with headaches, dry mouth, or sore throats on a regular basis.

Your dentist can help treat sleep apnea

For many people, the dentist is the first line of defense against sleep apnea. We can create a custom mouthguard that helps you keep your airway open while you sleep. This is minimally invasive and you will get used to it very quickly. Many people say that after they get their mouthguards, they immediately noticed a significant change in how rested they felt.

If you have concerns about sleep apnea or other oral health issues, then we strongly urge you to contact a dentist as soon as possible. You can find a dental office near you by calling California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.

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