Dental Sleep Medicine
Snoring can be more than annoying to your bed partner. It can mean you have a serious health problem. This is because snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Millions of Americans suffer from OSA, and millions of people who snore – and those who share their bed – seek out over-the-counter medications to alleviate this problem. The problem is rarely fixed, and the suffering continues. One thing those who have OSA or snore can do is to see a dentist who can provide relief. Dental sleep medicine may be the best way to help end snoring and the dangers of OSA.
Oral Appliance Therapy
You have probably seen oral appliance devices sold in the store or advertised in magazines and on TV that promise relief from snoring. They may have the basic concept down: Put this mouth guard in and your snoring will end. However, the problem is that these are usually one-size-fits-all, and may increase the chance for damage to your teeth or jaw. An effective oral appliance is custom-made so that it can address your individual needs, and fit comfortably. Custom-made oral appliances can help when you sleep by:
· Holding the tongue in position
· Pushing the jaw forward
· Tightening the soft tissue to keep your airway open
· Increasing muscle tone
Behavioral Therapy
Many people who snore or have OSA may find their symptoms alleviated by simply changing aspects of their life. People who drink alcohol regularly can cut down on the amount they drink or avoid drinking three hours prior to bedtime. People who smoke can, and should, stop. The effects of smoke on the throat and lungs create problems that can worsen snoring or sleep apnea. Individuals who are overweight or obese often suffer the most severe cases of OSA or snoring. By losing weight, the occurrence of breathing difficulties is reduced. Other behavioral modifications that will help include:
· Avoiding eating heavy meals close to bedtime
· Going to bed at a reasonable hour
· Avoiding antihistamines close to bedtime
· Reducing allergens in the home
Medication
Over-the-counter medications may target those who have trouble falling asleep, but not those who snore or have OSA. Dental sleep medicine targets these issues by prescribing supplements such as anti-snoring pills to be taken before bed. These pills contain different herbs and plant enzymes that reduce congestion and swelling of the tissue in the nose and throat. There are also certain nasal sprays or nose drops that may be beneficial.
Due to the dangerous health problems, such as heart attack or stroke that can arise from OSA you should see a specialist with dental sleep medicine experience.
If your sleep patterns have been disrupted by snoring or believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Ira L. Shapira or visit ihatecpap.com to schedule an initial consultation.
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