What can be done about snoring and sleep apnea?
If you snore at night, you may have more than just a stuffy nose keeping you from breathing properly. It could be a sign of a more serious issue known as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea might cause snoring and indicate that you need to see a sleep apnea doctor for a sleep study and a definitive diagnosis. Obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA, can cause blockages, resulting in waking up hundreds of times in a single night. What does this mean? This means you no longer get the restful sleep you need to function at your best daily! At Family Dentistry of Caledonia in Caledonia, Michigan, our doctors can help!
What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
Drs. Gary Scott and Allyson M. Grove find that some of the primary causes of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Excessive weight gain or obesity
- Anatomical abnormalities in the mouth, nose, and throat
- Large tonsils or tongue
- Narrow airway
What are the common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
The more obvious symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is loud snoring. However, there are other signs that should not be ignored, and include:
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Gasping or choking for air while sleeping
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Resistant to high blood pressure medications
If you are diagnosed with OSA or obstructive sleep apnea, you may be advised to use a specialized device called a CPAP machine when you sleep. However, many patients do not comply with this treatment because the CPAP is difficult to travel with and uncomfortable to wear. Instead, our dentists at Family Dentistry of Caledonia can help with an alternative. This may include our oral appliance therapy option, which maintains open airways when you sleep with a special mouthguard-like device.
Do you want to prevent snoring or find an effective sleep apnea treatment?
You can now treat mild to severe sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy through your local dentist, no longer requiring a dedicated sleep apnea doctor. Call Drs. Gary Scott and Allyson M. Grove of Caledonia, MI, at (616) 816-5882 and request an appointment at Family Dentistry of Caledonia, located at 9021 North Rodgers Court SE, Suite E. The office serves patients of all ages in and around the areas of Kentwood, Middleville, Freeport, Hastings, Cutlerville, Grand Rapids, and Alto, MI.