Snoring is a sign of a potentially serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when your airway is obstructed during sleep, causing you to wake up dozens of times throughout the night gasping for air. This obstruction can interfere with the restorative and regenerative sleep phases necessary for your health and well-being. It also puts unnecessary stress on the body and the brain, increasing your risk for serious health concerns like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Thankfully, if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are treatment options that can help you stop snoring and prevent future health risks. At Van Buren Smiles, one of the options we offer is a custom-designed oral appliance worn at night to help keep the airways open.
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
If you snore loudly and frequently, wake up often in the night gasping for air, or wake up feeling unrefreshed in the morning, you may have sleep apnea. The best way to know if you have this condition is to schedule a consultation with a specialist.
When you come in for your consultation at Van Buren Smiles, our dentist will check your jaw and airway for any obstructions contributing to your symptoms. Once diagnosed, you can work with our dentist to determine the best treatment option for you.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is classified into three types: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, and it occurs when your throat muscles relax too much during sleep. This can cause your airway to become blocked or obstructed.
Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea, but it’s when your brain doesn’t send the appropriate signals to your muscles to breathe correctly. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, insomnia, dry mouth when you wake up, breathing pauses while sleeping, and morning headaches.
The Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
- Improved sleep
- Reduced snoring
- Better energy level throughout the day
- Fewer headaches
- Lower blood pressure levels
- Less irritability
- Improved concentration at work or in school
- Improved mood
- Enhanced memory
- Increased productivity at work
- Better quality of life
If you are concerned you may suffer from sleep apnea, visit Van Buren Smiles at 6270 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503, or call (951) 603-3600. We will be happy to evaluate your symptoms and determine the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.
