San Francisco and Marin CA
Whether you snore yourself awake or have to sleep in separate bedrooms because your partner snores loudly, you may be researching ways to stop the snoring quickly. Although there are tips and tricks on the Internet and YouTube about home remedies, snoring could indicate an underlying condition only treatable by a medical professional. Fortunately, state-of-the-art technology is now available to help diagnose and effectively treat patients who snore. So, our San Francisco airway dentists at Glen Park Dental share on the blog today the easiest way to stop snoring so that you can get better quality sleep or return to the same bed as your partner.
What causes snoring?
Snoring is often the result of an obstruction in your airway while sleeping. However, most patients suffer from the most prevalent kind of sleep apnea condition that causes snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Relaxed throat muscles during sleep narrow or block the airways, making it harder for your body to receive adequate air and waking you up throughout the night. Your partner may complain about loud snoring or witness you gasping for breath. Continuous sleep disruptions can create restlessness and insomnia.
How do I know if I have obstructive sleep apnea?
Most people with sleep apnea probably have no idea their condition is causing them problems while they sleep. Snoring and restlessness are signs that a spouse often notices that may indicate a sleep disorder. However, sleep apnea can also leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unable to focus the next day. Some patients also complain of a sore throat upon waking or a headache that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medications. Even though you may exhibit multiple OSA symptoms, a formal obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis is only possible through a sleep specialist. However, once you discover your condition’s severity, our Bay Area sleep apnea dentists can administer effective treatments to address the situation so that you can get a better night’s sleep.
What causes sleep apnea?
One of the most significant OSA causes is obesity because excess fat can close the airway while sleeping. However, patients who voluntarily lose weight may be able to reduce or eliminate their sleep apnea symptoms. On the other hand, some severe sleep apnea patients may have a physical obstruction that requires surgery. The airway obstruction prevents proper oxygen flow, which causes the brain to wake from a deep sleep, signaling the body to breathe. Lastly, you may clench and grind your teeth while sleeping, also known as bruxism. Clenching your teeth increases jaw tension and can cause airway obstruction and sleep apnea.
How does sleep apnea affect my overall health?
OSA is more common in males than females and is more than an annoying sleeping habit. Sleep apnea makes you tired and groggy the next day, which is dangerous when driving a car or operating machinery. Additionally, you may experience trouble focusing at work or school, causing you to make mistakes or miss deadlines. In addition, sleep apnea connects to significant health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, obtaining therapy is essential for your health and getting the sleep you need. Our Bay Area airway dentists are a good resource for finding the appropriate treatment plan suitable to your circumstances.
What treatments are available for sleep apnea sufferers?
Our Bay Area sleep apnea dentists will conduct a thorough exam and take throat and mouth X-rays to determine if you are at risk of having sleep apnea. If we find indications that you are, we will refer you for a sleep study for an official diagnosis. We offer customized oral appliances for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms that reopen your airways by shifting your lower jaw slightly downward and forward. Patients find that wearing an oral appliance is much more comfortable and convenient than a cumbersome CPAP machine. Plus, oral appliances do not require electricity, nor do they emit any sound. Therefore, treating your sleep apnea won’t disrupt your partner’s sleep like a noisy CPAP!
Snoring Treatment in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Snoring is disruptive to your body and your partner’s sleep. Although it can be annoying, snoring may indicate a deeper problem that deserves proper medical attention. So, if you identify with any sleep apnea symptoms or are ready to treat your sleep apnea, please call our San Francisco dental office, Glen Park Dental, at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
