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Snoring Isn't Sexy and It Isn't Healthy

Snoring really isn't sexy. Neither is cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, depression and even erectile dysfunction. Nor are the accidents caused by the drowsy driving related to sleep apnea.

And now a new study has shown that loud snoring itself can have devastating consequences. An article published in March, 2008 stated that loud snorers had 40% greater odds of having hypertension, 34 % greater odds of having a heart attack and 67 % greater odds of having a stroke than people who did not snore.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

It doesn't matter if you are a man or woman (although men do snore more), or young or old or thin or heavy, snoring and sleep apnea can affect everyone - even young children! Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. It's not just unsexy. It's unhealthy. But you're not alone, which is why we've created this resource.

Increased stroke risk if you snore

Did you know hat you face a 75% increased risk of stroke if you snore? Just another reason why snoring should no longer be considered a joke.

Nearly one half of adults snore

Snoring affects every age group and both sexes. People all over the globe snore. Snoring is a universal problem with universal consequences both for health and the quality of interpersonal relationships.

Snoring can be a relationship deal breaker

Snoring can disrupt marriages and cause sleepless nights for bed-partners. The emotional costs of snoring are as severe as snoring's physical damage.

And it's a definitely a relationship deal breaker in the early stages of an intimate relationship.

Nine reasons it could be more than snoring

It may be just snoring, it may be more.

Snoring can be a hazard to your health, but it is treatable with oral appliance therapy.

CPAP isn't sexy

 CPAP interferes with socialization. The mask itself, the noise of the machine, the thought of a bed partner wearing a cumbersome device at night can adversely effect even a mature relationship.

The fear of a destroyed relationship has led many sleep apnea sufferers to abandon their CPAP machine leading to low compliance and a situation dangerous to their health.

Dentistry offers a less obstrusive solution - a dental mouthpiece worn totally within the mouth.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Medically, snoring can be the precursor of obstructive sleep apnea that has been linked to heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. In its own right, snoring has been linked to Type II Diabetes.

Sleep apnea usually interrupts loud snoring with a period of silence in which no air passes into the lungs. Eventually the lack of oxygen and the increase in carbon dioxide will awaken the sleeper forcing the airway to open with a loud gasp. This cessation of snoring followed by a gasping for air should alert the bed-partner that their bed mate may have a problem with sleep apnea and to suggest a visit to a qualified dentist or sleep physician.

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep, and low blood oxygen levels.

Are you aware of the possibility of sleep apnea?

Out of every 100 people who have sleep apnea only 5-10% have been diagnosed and are aware of their increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and even erectile dysfunction.

Can't Tolerate Your CPAP?

Dental sleep medicine provides a solution for patients who may actively dislike their or be totally intolerant of CPAP. 

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is generally considered the mainstay of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, in almost half of the cases where it is prescribed, it is poorly tolerated or simply rejected due to its cumbersome and intrusive nature.

If you or a loved one snores or has had difficulty wearing their medically prescribed CPAP, we have had the years of experience necessary to offer a dental solution.

Oral Appliance Therapy and Dental Sleep Medicine Can Make A Difference

Oral Appliances are placed in the mouth and are worn much like an orthodontic appliance or sports mouth protector. They are worn during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep.

Two types of appliance are available. The first and most common engages the upper and lower jaws and moves the lower jaw to a forward position opening the back of the throat to allow free air passage. The other type of appliance retains the tongue, holding it forward and preventing collapse.

The appliances promote adequate air intake and help to provide normal sleep in people who snore and have a medical condition known as sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used alone or in conjunction with other means of therapy such as continuous positive air pressure (CPAP).

Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of our office and your sleep physician.

Consultation

The doctor will review your sleep-breathing problems with your physicians to determine the best course of therapy.