Getting high-quality rest at night is essential in maintaining your health. If you are struggling with your rest at night or keeping your loved ones away due to your tossing, turning, and loud snoring, it could be a sign that you have a serious disorder that needs treatment. Your Charleston, SC, dental team may be able to help you understand this problem and find a non-invasive solution that fits your needs.
Loud Snoring Could Be A Problem
If you have been told that loud snoring is keeping your family members awake at night, the noise could be a sign of a more significant problem. Snoring happens when your airways are blocked at night, often due to congestion, anatomy, sleep position, or other causes. While a few snores on occasion may not be a significant issue, if yours are loud and happen on a nightly basis, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can be dangerous to your physical health.
Health Problems Due To OSA
OSA is a disorder that causes breathing pauses at night due to airway obstruction. The condition can be scary for you, as the patient, because you may wake up in the morning gasping for air. It can also be frustrating, as it can cause you to snore loudly and experience other symptoms, such as headaches and sore throat in the morning. The loud snoring can disrupt both you and your family member’s sleep. In addition to these side effects, sleep apnea can also have a significant impact on your health by putting you at risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and more. Poor sleep over a long period of time can also have a profoundly negative impact on your overall quality of life, so if you are experiencing trouble with sleeping, you should contact a professional as soon as possible.
Treatment With An Oral Appliance
During your consultation, we may ask about your symptoms and assess your risk factors. For instance, older male patients may be at an increased risk of the disease; however, anyone could have OSA. Once we have evaluated your symptoms, we can discuss potential treatment options, such as an oral appliance. Your oral appliance is smaller than a CPAP machine, which is traditionally used for treating OSA and is worn in your mouth like a mouthguard. The device helps keep your jaw forward and airways open. To learn more about the benefits of this treatment, reach out to our team for a consultation.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
Your dentist may be able to alleviate OSA symptoms with the help of an oral appliance. Learn more by calling our Charleston, SC, team today at (843) 388-9894.