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Snoring is a problem for millions of people, but for some of them, it’s more important than it is for others. That’s because it can often indicate the presence of a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). People who suffer from sleep apnea will snore increasingly more loudly each night, and ignoring it can lead to several different symptoms. At our Mansfield, TX, dental office, we offer customized treatment to help alleviate the symptoms and potential health risks associated with sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea means the cessation of your breathing while you sleep, and it occurs when mouth and throat tissues clog your airway to prevent you from breathing. Every sleep apnea cycle follows a pattern; your snoring grows louder as the obstruction grows, and then stops suddenly as you stop breathing. It can take several moments for your brain and body to respond, but before long, the lack of oxygen will cause them to panic and wake up enough to clear your airway.

How do you know you have it?

Snoring is one of the most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea, but it isn’t the only one. For example, apnea episodes can occur hundreds of times a night, which means you won’t receive as much oxygen or be able to sleep long enough to reach deep sleep. This can lead to symptoms of sleep deprivation, like daytime fatigue and an inability to concentrate, as well as chronic headaches and sore throat when you wake each morning.

Could it impact your life?

The longer sleep apnea goes untreated, the more of an impact it can have on your health, wellbeing, and daily life. The symptoms of sleep deprivation will grow more severe, even though you may believe that you’re sleeping soundly every night. Over time, it can also increase your risks of developing cardiovascular and other health issues, many of which could require extensive medical treatment.

How can you treat sleep apnea?

Treating sleep apnea revolves around preventing the airway obstruction that causes your episodes. For many people, this can be accomplished with a custom-designed sleep apnea appliance that it can be worn throughout the night. The appliance offers personalized support for your lower jaw, which keeps your jaw slightly forward to maintain a more open and clearer airway.

Start taking sleep apnea seriously

If you have sleep apnea, then treating it could have a significant impact on your health, wellbeing, quality of sleep and life. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.