Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
You or your spouse’s snoring could be the center of many jokes and giggles. However, even though snoring may seem innocent, it could also indicate a sleep breathing disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Although some people know and understand the condition, many are still confused about how snoring can cause other health conditions. Therefore, our Okemos airway dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares on the blog today details that outline how snoring impacts your health and how we can help.
How are snoring and sleep apnea related?
Everyone snores at one point in their life or another. For most people, snoring only occurs with congestion, illness, or after consuming alcohol before bed. On the other hand, chronic snorers may suffer from a blocked airway that causes breathing pauses or apnea while sleeping. Essentially, soft throat tissues collapse, or the tongue moves into an unfavorable position that restricts or blocks airflow and creates the snoring sound as air seeps past the soft tissue blocking the airway. Sleep apnea occurs among older and overweight individuals, but it can also happen in people of any shape, age, or body type.
A blocked airway is a reason why snoring can be very loud and continuous, which are two major warning signs of OSA. Our East Lansing dentist who screens for sleep apnea explains that in addition to snoring, you may wake up with a sore throat, dry mouth, or a headache. Furthermore, you may notice feeling tired during the day and unable to focus no matter how long you stay asleep.
What could happen if I don’t seek treatment?
Untreated sleep apnea significantly impacts your body’s ability to function both mentally and physically. Over time, your focus and concentration diminish, resulting in reduced work or school performance. Additionally, OSA can increase risk factors for severe, systemic, or life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, cognitive decline, cardiac disease, depression, diabetes, and stroke. Our Lansing sleep apnea dentist warns patients about driving with chronic sleep deprivation because it can put you and other travelers at risk for an accident.
How can a dentist help someone stop snoring?
Dr. Tenaglia practices sleep apnea dentistry that can help relieve symptoms and restore your quality of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea conditions can only be diagnosed by a qualified sleep specialist, but a sleep apnea dentist can prescreen patients for sleep breathing disorders and provide effective, non-invasive treatment. In most minor to moderate sleep apnea cases, Dr. Tenaglia can effectively treat patients using oral appliance therapy. The custom-created oral appliance ensures that the mouthpiece fits snug and comfortable while sleeping. As you wear the oral appliance, it uses gentle pressure to move the lower jaw forward into an optimal resting position, resulting in an open airway while sleeping and less snoring.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Snoring is often the first sign that indicates a possible sleep breathing disorder. Unfortunately, many sleep apnea sufferers are unaware of their condition because it occurs while sleeping. However, if you relate to any other symptoms of sleep apnea and you also snore, it may be the best time to schedule a consultation and address the problem early. Now is the time to stop living with sleep breathing disorders and protect your health by seeking treatment. If you or your sleeping partner snores, please call our Okemos dental office, Tenaglia Smiles, at (517) 347-6733, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.