Do You Snore?

Does your partner complain about your snoring?  Snoring is a worldwide phenomenon, and is caused by not obtaining enough oxygen during sleep.  It is estimated that almost half of all adults occasionally snore and over 25% are habitual snorers.  Unfortunately, when snoring occurs, it arouses the brain of everyone who hears it, including the snorer.  It then gets louder during REM or deep dreaming sleep. Although unpleasant, most people do not realize that snoring can also have a serious impact on one’s sleep and health.  It can affect your energy levels, productivity at home and work, and your lifestyle, all due to lack of sound sleep.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF SNORING?

Being constantly awakened by your snoring partner can be irritating, however, there are much more serious consequences for the person who snores.  In addition to headaches, loss of concentration, increased irritability and tiredness during the day, the increased stress on the heart can cause:

• Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Cardiac Arrhythmias

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night.  Pauses can occur several times during an hour for up to 10 seconds. As the blood oxygen levels decrease, the individual can awaken abruptly and a loud gasp or snore takes place.  Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air during the night
• Awakening with a dry mouth and/or headache
• Inability to sleep through the night (Insomnia)
• Daytime sleepiness/difficulty focusing on the task at hand
• Irritability

WHAT IS AN ANTI-SNORING/SLEEP APNEA DEVICE?

An anti-snoring device is an oral appliance shaped to conform to your upper dental arch and has a ramp behind the lower anterior teeth. This ramp prevents your jaw from receding.  In addition, the tongue seeks an opening between the upper and lower portion of the device, thus keeping the air passage of the throat open.  The anti-snoring device design allows the user to breathe orally while promoting nasal breathing.  We will custom-make your device to perfectly fit around your teeth and gums.  It is comfortable to insert and wear, although it may take a few nights to get used to sleeping with it.  Anti-snoring devices have been manufactured since the late 1980s and have had a tremendous reported success rate.

ADVANTAGES OF BRENTWOOD FAMILY DENTISTRY

Have you been told that you snore, or do you have a snoring partner?  At Brentwood Family Dentistry, we have a proven solution. Don’t wait to get the help you both deserve.  There are different reasons people snore, so there is not one type of anti-snoring device that fits everyone’s needs.  We tailor make your device based on your mouth and your reasons for snoring.  Dr. Rhea and Dr. Doherty have years of extensive experience fitting all types of anti-snoring devices on people just like you.  We will respect your time and let you make the final decision. Your comfort and safety are our primary concern. We will help you sleep better, so that you feel healthy and completely rested again!