SNORING IS NO is no laughing matter. We all know someone who snores. Snoring can affect the quality of your sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, poor behavior, trouble with relationships, and increased health problems. With four hours or less of quality sleep, daytime fatigue can mimic legal alcohol intoxication. It may be more than just an annoying habit … it may be a sign of sleep apnea. About 70 percent of the time, loud snoring is indicative of obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is when the muscles that control the upper airway become narrow. If the airway becomes too narrow, this may cause breathing difficulties. Sometimes, the airway becomes completely blocked and the person temporarily stops breathing, experiencing “obstructive apnea.” This can last for 10 seconds or more, and it may happen frequently during the night.
To diagnose the condition, your medical physician will perform a physical exam, take a medical history, and may recommend a sleep study. Here at Professional Smiles, we can talk with you about your symptoms and recommend if a sleep study is needed. The right course of treatment will depend on the patient’s unique medical history, anatomy, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Using a CPAP machine, which blows air into the airway to keep it open during sleep, is very uncomfortable to some patients. Using an oral appliance at night to shift the lower jaw and tongue away from the airway might be another alternative. If your physician diagnoses sleep apnea, our office is equipped to build an oral appliance for you, and you will be on your way to a better sleep.
Call us today at (877) 633-6193 and make your appointment for a consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for an oral appliance. Financing options are available.
This column is sponsored by Professional Smiles.
CREDIT
column by DR. JOSE F. LOPEZ
BIO: After following a lifelong dream of dentistry, Dr. Jose F. Lopez graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Dental School in 2001. He established his Davenport practice in 2008. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Lopez is very dedicated to his profession, and his number one priority is providing the highest level of patient care and dentistry in a relaxing and comfortable environment, while maintaining exceptional quality service. For more information or to make an appointment, call (863) 216-5702 or visit www.ProfessionalSmiles.net.
