Many people snore at night with the only problem being disturbing others in the home. However, snoring can often be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. It can be difficult to diagnose, but in most cases your dentist will be the one to determine whether you have this condition.
Snoring Doesn’t Always Mean OSA
Just because you snore at night does not mean you have OSA. In fact, about half of the US population snores without having any other problems or difficulties. Your loved one may complain that it keeps them up at night, or you may still feel sleepy in the morning, but those aren’t necessarily signs of OSA.
Symptoms of OSA
Whether or not you snore, you will need to determine if you have any of the other symptoms that go along with OSA, which include:
- Pauses in breath when you snore or sleep
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Being excessively tired during the day or falling asleep at odd times
- Irritability
- Waking up with a headache
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Personality changes
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Difficulty paying attention
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequently waking in the night
Because of the varying degrees of symptoms, it can be difficult to determine if you have OSA. If you feel that you do, you should discuss the situation with your dentist and doctor.
Devices Used
Treating snoring & sleep apnea can be done by using a dental device. They will typically help correct moderate and mild cases of OSA and can be prescribed to you by your dentist or orthodontist.
One such device is called the mandibular advancement device, which is the most common appliance used to treat OSA. It is a type of mouth guard and forces the lower jaw forward and down slightly, keeping your airway open and preventing breathing problems.
Tongue-retraining devices are also recommended to help OSA. A special splint is used to hold the tongue in its proper position, which will also keep the airway open. However, this type of device will require you to visit the dentist frequently for replacements and adjustments.
See your dentist if you suspect you have OSA. He or she can determine whether you have the condition and what the best treatment would be for you.
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