Sleep Apnea: Snoring could be more dangerous than you think!
Have you ever nudged your partner in bed because they were snoring up a storm? Turns out, loud snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea – a very common problem in American adults. In fact, millions of Americans deal with snoring while sleeping. Of course, not all snorers have sleep apnea, but it’s also a great warning sign to get checked out.
Learn more about Snoring from The Mayo Clinic
Is it Sleep Apnea or Just Snoring?
It helps to do your research and know the difference between normal snoring and sleep apnea snoring. Let’s break it down …
Regular Snoring
Snoring happens because the tissues in the throat relax and partially block the airway. Then the tissues vibrate, causing the snoring sound we all know. Your anatomy and lifestyle factors, like alcohol consumption and weight, can determine the way you snore.
Related Article: Snoring, Sleeping Disorders, and Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Snoring
Often, frequent and loud snoring is a major indicator of sleep apnea. When you experience sleep apnea snoring, your body takes multiple breathing pauses or shallow breaths during sleep. If someone with sleep apnea falls asleep, they could experience breathing pauses up to 10 seconds or even up to a minute. Obesity, large tonsils, or large tongues can also be contributing causes of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
You can also look for other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that include:
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Sore throat when wakening
- Restless sleep
- Choking or gasping at night
- Chest pain at night
- High blood pressure
- Disruptive snoring
- Poor attention span
Sleep Apnea Treatments can Protect Your Health
It’s so important to talk with your dentist and your doctor to determine treatment for sleep apnea and sleep apnea snoring. Sleep apnea treatments range from oral appliances, nasal strips, breathing machines, and even surgery, and it’s important not to underestimate the risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated. Many health complications, such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and more, can arise due to sleep apnea. Talk to Dr. Anderson and his team about treatment options for sleep apnea and sleep apnea snoring. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you.
We Have Treatments to Help You
Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or wearing a mouth guard while you sleep, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea snoring. More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance and Dr. Anderson will recommend the device that is best for you. Oral appliance therapy is also covered by many medical insurance plans.
We can Protect Your Smile TOO!
Now you know more about how mouthguards protect your smile and your health! It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits with Dr. Anderson. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!
Don’t let Sleep Apnea compromise your health, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Anderson at 816-373-4440.
We Can Help You Achieve the Healthy Smile of Your Dreams!
We believe everyone should love their smile and have access to affordable dental care. Learn more about the services we offer to all ages and contact us to book your appointment or schedule your dental appointment or consultation. We are accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you and helping you maintain, improve or enhance your smile AND your snoring!
Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.