Snoring may seem like a fairly mundane problem, but it can profoundly affect you (not just you, but your partner as well) and greatly diminish your overall quality of life. Snoring can be a sign of other problems, and it can also have a much greater effect on your quality of sleep than you might imagine.
This issue should be taken more seriously than just an unwanted noise at night. A visit to your family doctor might be a sensible first option for diagnosis, but it’s also a good idea to discuss it at your next visit to the dentist.
Why snoring can be a sign of a bigger problem
Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, in which the tissues in the neck “collapse” during sleep, automatically causing the person to wake up with a start.
The person with sleep apnea is not aware of anything other than, when he or she wakes up, it is with a feeling of lack of energy and some tiredness.
Symptoms include snoring, excessive tiredness and other characteristics that accompany prolonged fatigue such as irritability, anxiety or depression and forgetfulness, among others.
Dental appliances for snoring
Seeing a primary care physician would be the first step in diagnosing sleep apnea, but treatment could be provided by the dentist; an anterior positioning splint or mandibular advancement splint.
This is a custom-made mouth guard that fits snugly over the teeth, but keeps the jaw and tongue forward, preventing the temporary collapse of tissue that causes sudden awakening.
Difference between dental and retail devices for snoring.
Keep in mind that although these devices can be purchased online, but, if they are not custom-made, they will not fit properly, so they will be ineffective or may even interfere with the joint causing a greater malady.
Focus and look for solutions
Snoring can be a symptom of something more serious (but easily treatable), such as sleep apnea, or it can simply be a nuisance in and of itself.
While it’s not necessary to rush off to see your primary care physician or dentist, it’s something to check out and treat to prevent complications and improve sleep quality.
Don’t hesitate to mention snoring at your next regular checkup so that your dentist can check for any signs that may be harming your oral health and propose appropriate measures.
