The modern world is a busy time, but your exhaustion may not be due to burnout. Snoring and sleep apnea can interrupt your sleep and deprive your body of the vital oxygen your body needs. Maybe what you need is BETTER sleep, not MORE sleep.
What Causes Snoring?
Approximately two-thirds of Americans snore during sleep. Snoring is caused by your tongue and other tissues around your sinuses vibrating against each other. The vibration creates sound that ranges from quite soft to very loud.
Aside from keeping your partner up at night, loud snoring can also restrict the airflow into your lungs. Snoring at night can also make you or your bed partner irritable and drowsy during the day. Many people who snore also suffer from sleep apnea which is a serious medical condition.
Should I Be Worried About Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is definitely a cause for concern because it severely limits the amount of oxygen flow while you are asleep. If you’re worried, our dentist can provide an examination to see how we can help you breathe and sleep better.
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. During obstructive sleep apnea the back of the throat is blocked by the muscle or tissue in the back of your throat closing off, causing you to stop breathing while asleep. Your body immediately wakes up so you can start breathing again.
You can tell that the whole staff has an overwhelmingly positive attitude and really wants to be there helping people. Dr. Skinner personally took the time to walk me through my dental implant procedure. He impressed me so much that I drove across the country to get this implant done by his team.
I also had NightLase treatment done for my sleep apnea. It was so gentle and easy on me, and I breathe much better in sleep and awakeness. I wish I would have known about it before I had invasive sleep apnea surgery years ago. In terms of capability, technology, and positivity, I think this is the best dental office in the world!
– Todd Courson
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Health Concerns Related to Sleep Apnea
Some people might not think about sleep apnea as a serious problem. The fact is that OSA and other forms of sleep apnea can be seriously detrimental to your health. The disruption caused during sleep by snoring and sleep apnea can lead to conditions such as:
- Heart Attack.
- Stroke.
- Weight Gain.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Alzheimers.
- Headaches and Migraines.
- Impotence or Loss of Libido.
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Difficulty Controlling Diabetes.
- Irritability and Aggressive Behavior.
- ADHD.
- Acid reflux.
- Loss of Focus and Memory.
- Abnormal Facial Growth in Children.
- Tooth Grinding at Night or Bruxism.
- Unusual Daytime Fatigue.
In fact, some scientific studies suggest that sleep apnea can shorten your life by as much as 12 years. Don’t let sleep apnea go untreated! Visit our Top 10 Tips on How to Stop Snoring page to find out more.
Why Visit a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dr. Skinner is one of a handful of board certified dental sleep apnea experts in Oregon. Our experienced dentist knows a lot about the structure of the mouth and sinuses and how that affects your breathing at night. Our team can help you find a sleep apnea treatment that works best for you.
Our treatment options include:
- Nasal Breathing Exercises and Decongestants. Breathing through your nose actually increases your oxygen intake by 10–20%.
- Invisalign. Aligning your teeth can change the position of your tongue and jaw, opening up your airway, and taking away the pressure of your teeth against your tongue.
- Nightlase. This type of non-surgical laser procedure shrinks the tissues around your throat so your tongue and other tissues don’t obstruct your airway.
- Oral Obstructive Sleep Apnea Device. A custom sleep apnea dental appliance looks similar to a mouthguard and is designed to hold your jaw in a position that opens up your throat and airway.
- Palate Expander. A custom palate expander can be used to gradually expand the sinuses and the airway to improve airflow while you sleep.
Are You Ready to Sleep Better, Feel Better, and Be Healthier?
Call 503-648-6671 Now! Our Friendly Smile Team is Ready to Schedule Your Completely FREE, no Obligation Sleep Apnea Consultation!