Dental Solutions For Snoring
Snoring is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It’s often thought of as harmless or not even thought of at all. However, snoring can be more problematic. If you have a partner who snores, they may wake you up repeatedly during the night. If you snore, you may feel like you never really get a sound night of sleep. You may wake up still feeling tired like you never went to bed at all. Worse, snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition known as sleep apnea, where oxygen flow is inhibited when you’re in a horizontal position.
The Dangers of Snoring
If your snoring is a result of sleep apnea, you need to get help as soon as possible. Sleep apnea can increase your risk of a range of conditions, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Acid reflux
- Cognitive decline
Even if your snoring isn’t related to sleep apnea, it can reduce your quality of life, leaving you too tired to engage in the things you want to do, like exercise, playing with children or pets, doing things with your spouse and much more.
Thankfully, there are dental solutions for snoring that your Hilliard dentist can talk to you about.
Diagnosis
First of all, your dentist can help to diagnose whether or not your snoring is related to sleep apnea or not. This diagnosis will help to guide your Hilliard dentist as to what dental solution may work best.
Mandibular Device
This dental device resembles a sports guard. It’s very low profile and will help to reduce snoring during the night. The way it works is to move the lower jaw down and forward very subtly. It’s not painful to wear; it just works to keep the airway open when you’re laying down to go to sleep.
Tongue Device
If your dentist determines that your tongue is blocking your airway during sleep, your dentist may recommend a tongue “retraining” device. The device rests in your mouth, holding the tongue in position, so it doesn’t block the airway. This device does take some getting used to, but it’s not permanent. In time, your tongue will be “retrained” to a new resting position.
Your dentist has a variety of dental solutions for snoring for you or your partner. Don’t suffer from snoring any longer than you have to. Contact Fishinger Dental in Hilliard for more information.
