Does your partner wake you up several times a night with their loud snoring? Everyone snores from time to time, but persistently loud snoring is more than just a nuisance; it may point to a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea could have dangerous consequences for a person’s overall health. With Valentine’s Day almost here, now is the perfect time to give your partner the gift of sleep apnea therapy and put an end to their chronic snoring. Keep reading to learn more about snoring, sleep apnea, and how an expert sleep dentist can gift both of you with a good night’s rest!
What Does Chronic Snoring Mean?
While snoring and sleep apnea might seem like interchangeable terms, they’re not the same thing. Snoring occurs when tissues in the back of the mouth and throat collapse, causing them to vibrate as air passes over them when you breathe. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, occurs when these tissues block the airway completely. This often results in extremely loud snoring; in fact, it’s the most common symptom of sleep apnea.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When the airway is blocked during slumber, the brain goes into panic mode from the lack of oxygen. This forces the person to wake up so the obstruction can be removed. Often, these episodes are so brief that they’re forgotten in the morning, but they can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. As a result, people with sleep apnea tend to have difficulty reaching the deeper stages of sleep, which can lead to:
- Daytime exhaustion and fatigue (which can be dangerous if a person drives to work)
- Poor reflexes and decision-making skills
- Short attention span
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Increased risk of health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
Why Should You See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
A dentist might not be the first type of doctor you think of when you picture treating sleep apnea. However, dentists are experts in the anatomy of the mouth and throat, making them uniquely qualified to address this condition.
Once your partner has gotten a sleep apnea diagnosis, they should visit a local sleep dentist to learn about oral appliance therapy. This treatment presents a more convenient alternative to a traditional CPAP machine, which feeds a stream of air into the mouth and nose via a face mask to prevent the oral tissues from collapsing. Many patients find the mask cumbersome and the machine’s droning noise too loud, but a dentist can solve these problems with a personalized mouthpiece called an oral appliance. This device fits comfortably over the teeth, gently shifting the jaw forward to keep the airway clear. Not only will your partner get restful sleep, but you won’t need to deal with their snoring anymore!
Are you looking to give your loved one the Valentine’s Day gift that keeps on giving? Then call a sleep dentist! With sleep apnea treatment, you and your partner can look forward to peaceful, snore-free nights.
About the Authors
At Oakton Dentistry by Design, Dr. Joseph Khalil and Dr. Pasquale Giordano offer sleep apnea therapy in Oakton, VA. They provide custom oral appliances that offer comfortable, convenient relief for patients dealing with chronic snoring. If you suspect that you or someone you love is dealing with untreated sleep apnea, get the care you need by calling the Oakton Dentistry by Design team at 703-938-4300.