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We all snore occasionally, but if we do so nightly, this could not only drive our significant others crazy, but may also point to the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treating OSA quickly means protecting you from serious complications, including poor cardiovascular health. In today’s blog, we’re looking at when our Mansfield, TX, patients should see us for treatment, and when snoring is considered a problem.

Snoring and OSA

A sleep apnea sufferer will experience the collapse of soft tissues in the throat and mouth during sleep. The person then stops breathing as airflow is blocked. The brain registers the drop in oxygen and immediately wakes the person. Despite not remembering being woken, this can happen a number of times each night, leading to sleep deprivation and a host of serious complications. Since snoring happens when our airways are partially blocked, chronic nightly snoring is a common indicator of OSA. Other warning signs include depression, trouble concentrating, daytime drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, and waking suddenly in the night struggling to breathe or choking.

The Dangers of Ignoring a Sleep Disorder

If you begin to experience one or more of the possible warning signs we’ve discussed in the above section, then contact our team right away. Over time, sleep apnea may strain your immune system causing you to become sick more frequently. In addition, this also places strain on the cardiovascular system, which means in the coming years you may be more likely to suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even heart attack. We have treatments to halt your snoring and stop apneic episodes, protecting your overall health and your quality of life. Please let us know if you have trouble resting!

Oral Appliance Therapy

How do we stop such a serious disorder? We have a comfortable option, one that involves wearing a special device that fits like a nightguard. After we take detailed impressions and measurements of your smile and oral structures, we will design and create an oral appliance. At night, you will wear this device, which repositions the jaw to ease stress and ensure open airways, preventing the collapse of soft tissues. The device will fit comfortably and provide a better night’s rest. If you have questions about your oral appliance treatment options, or if you’re ready to tackle your sleep disorder, then please let us know. We want to make sure you obtain the rest needed to thrive in your day-to-day life.

Do You Frequently Snore?

If you snore on a regular basis, then you may need to see us for treatment. To learn more about our approach to treating sleep apnea, then schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.