Snoring can be more than just annoying. If you snore loudly, you might keep your partner awake all night. Maybe you’ve even moved to another room just to let them sleep. Some people snore so loudly that they wake themselves up throughout the night.
You’ve probably tried various remedies, from nose strips to diet changes. But if you snore frequently and nothing seems to help, it’s time to talk to your dentist. At Cove Family Dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL, Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers sleep apnea treatment that can help you finally get the restful sleep you and your partner deserve.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
If you speak to your dentist about your snoring issues, they may recommend a sleep study. Sleep apnea may cause your snoring. Now, not all snoring is related to sleep apnea. However, it is one of the leading symptoms, especially if you notice waking multiple times a night. A sleep study examines your breathing, heart rate, and body movements to diagnose a sleep disorder. This can help you identify the cause of your snoring issues.
Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that disrupts your breathing while you rest. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your tongue and other soft tissues block your airway as you sleep. Your body is meant to relax while you sleep. Yet with OSA, the soft tissues in your throat relax too much, obstructing your airway. This can affect the oxygen levels in your blood.
Your body will correct for the lack of oxygen, so you may gasp awake. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime sleepiness, lack of focus, irritability, or insomnia.
Over time, sleep apnea can have more severe effects on your health. It puts a strain on your heart and your immune system, which can develop into heart problems or metabolic syndrome. Sleep apnea is not a condition that anyone should take lightly. If you are diagnosed with a mild to moderate case of OSA, Dr. Duling can offer you a solution.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A CPAP Alternative
The typical treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device supplies a steady stream of oxygen through a mask, keeping your airway open throughout the night. While CPAP machines work well for many people, not everyone can tolerate them.
Some people find CPAP masks uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or disruptive to their sleep partner. The machines can also be noisy and difficult to travel with. If you’ve tried CPAP and struggled with it, or if you want an alternative, Dr. Duling offers oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) helps keep your airway open while you sleep without using a machine or mask. The device looks similar to a mouthguard or retainer that you place in your mouth before bed.
The oral appliance keeps your jaw and tongue in the correct positions to prevent them from obstructing your airway. It gently repositions your lower jaw forward, which keeps your airway open. As a result, you can breathe properly throughout the night.
Dr. Duling custom-makes your oral appliance to ensure a comfortable fit. She takes impressions of your teeth and designs the device specifically for your mouth. This personalized approach means your appliance fits comfortably and works effectively.
Relieve Sleep Apnea Symptoms Today
If you’re tired of snoring, exhausted from poor sleep, or worried about sleep apnea, contact Cove Family Dentistry today. Dr. Elizabeth Duling serves patients throughout Owens Cross Roads, Huntsville, Madison, and the surrounding Alabama communities.
Call our office at 256-534-1475 or schedule a consultation online. Dr. Duling will evaluate your symptoms, discuss your concerns, and explain how oral appliance therapy can help you breathe better and sleep better. Don’t let snoring and sleep apnea continue to disrupt your life. Relief is closer than you think.