Sleepless near Turlock? Dentist treats snoring and apnea to restore quality sleep

It is normal to snore occasionally. It is harmless, if it is not caused by an underlying disorder such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Regardless of its cause, chronic snoring can put a strain on relationships. Partners cannot get restful sleep. Snoring and sleep apnea near Turlock, CA may be promptly and effectively treated at Ramsin K. Davoud DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.

Snoring

Tissues in the throat relax during sleep. These lax tissues rattle or vibrate when you breathe. The vibration produces that characteristic hoarse sound or “snore.” Anything that narrows the airway may be responsible for snoring, including:

• Nasal congestion and allergies
• Alcohol consumption before bedtime
• Smoking
• Sleep “posture” (sleeping on your back)

Being overweight and having family members who snore are also risk factors.

Sleep Apnea

Snoring may be caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnea. OSA arises when the tissues at the back of your throat become so relaxed during sleep that they block your airway. Suddenly, sensing that you cannot breathe, your body forces you to wake up with a start, choke, or gasp. In addition to interrupted breathing, snoring that is characteristic of OSA is generally very loud. The narrower your airway becomes, the louder your snore will sound. Other OSA symptoms may include:

• Fatigue, regardless of how long you sleep
• Headaches, especially when you wake up
• Dry, sore throat
• Irritability and other mood-related changes (children tend to “act out”)
• Poor concentration
• Night sweats

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. It interferes with your normal sleep patterns. Quality sleep is restorative. Insufficient sleep on a regular basis stresses the heart and other organs. So, those individuals with OSA are at an increased risk of developing conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Oral appliance therapy

If you snore and/or are diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Davoud may design an oral appliance that is customized to fit your mouth. When you slip it over your teeth, this device repositions your jaw. The idea behind oral appliance therapy is to support proper airway position. So, lax tissues do not block your airway. You can breathe, uninterrupted, throughout the night.

Many patients like that these appliances are easy-to-wear, easy-to-care-for, and portable alternatives to CPAP therapy. Call (209) 666-8867 to schedule an appointment at Dr. Davoud’s office in Turlock.

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