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Do you or your significant other have difficulty sleeping due to your chronic snoring? In addition to hindering good sleep, this issue could also be a warning sign of a serious disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, affects millions of people in the United States. By understanding the cause and symptoms, you can start your journey to better, and quieter, sleep.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Quiz

1. True or False: We snore when airflow is partially blocked.

2. True or False: This can be a warning sign of a major sleep disorder.

3. True or False: You can take steps to sleep better.

4. True or False: Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris offer sleep treatment.

Answer Key

1. True. When our breathing is partially obstructed, air must be forced through, vibrating soft tissues. This causes the sound we recognize as snoring. Partial airflow blockage can be caused by a number of factors, from obesity to stress.

2. True. In some cases, snoring may a warning sign of OSA. Sleep apnea occurs when airflow is completely blocked and the patient stops breathing for brief intervals. The brain must then wake the patient up to resume breathing. As a result, patients feel exhausted because they re essentially woken up hundreds of times, even if they don’t remember it.

3. True. We recommend obese patients lose weight through diet and exercise. In addition, avoid alcohol or caffeine before bed and try sleeping on your side.

4. True. We may recommend an oral splint to address sleep apnea symptoms. This oral appliance moves the jaw forward enough to keep air passages open and allow easy breathing.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.