Millions of people are affected by snoring, either by being the person who does it or being woken up by a family member. If you tend to snore loudly and frequently, it may be a sign of something more serious. This is a common problem that many do not know can be solved with the help of a dentist. Today, your Cedar Rapids, IA, dentist is here to explain why you should not ignore these breathing disruptions at night.
Why Do We Snore?
It is a common myth that a person sleeps better when they snore. In fact, these nighttime sounds may actually be interrupting your rest. This condition can be due to several factors. Your anatomy, genetics, health, and other aspects may be causing this. Snoring occasionally may not have a detrimental impact on your health, but if this happens frequently and loudly, it may be a side effect of something more.
How Snoring Is Linked To Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. One of the most common indicators of this disorder is loud, harsh snoring. This disorder can have negative impacts on your mental, physical, and dental health. OSA may cause you to get poor rest, leading to irritability and fatigue during the day. You may also have an increased feeling of depression and anxiety over time as well. Patients with OSA are at a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. Lastly, this condition can affect your dental health. Patients with OSA may breathe with an open mouth, which can cause dry mouth. This can make you more susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Treating These Disorders
There are some at-home remedies that may be used to improve your quality of rest. Avoiding alcohol consumption before bed and stopping tobacco use may help. In some cases, changing the position you sleep in may help as well. If your snoring is more severe, you can bring your concerns to your dentist. From there, they may be able to diagnose the problem and offer a sleep appliance as an effective solution. This is a retainer-like device that can help keep your airways open as you snooze. As a result, you will be able to rest better and improve your health. Many patients find that this is more comfortable and just as effective as a CPAP machine. This is a well-known device used to help people with obstructive sleep apnea. While effective, it can be bulky, uncomfortable, and a hassle to use.
Talk To Your Dentist Today
If you snore frequently, we can help diagnose and treat the problem. To schedule an appointment, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA today at (319) 364-7108.
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