Treating Sleep Apnea with a Snore Guard

At Advantage Dentistry our goal is to enhance the quality of life of our patients who come to use for their dental health needs and this includes snoring. Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone. Occasional snoring may not be serious; however, if you are a habitual snorer, you risk impairing your sleep quality and developing poor daytime function. 

Frequent snorers can be at risk for serious health problems, including obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea creates a variety of problems, including long interruptions of breathing, poor night’s sleep, chronic headaches and daytime sleepiness and fatigue. At Advantage Dentistry, we provide a snore guard as a treatment option. It has a unique inner lining that is softened by heat during the fitting process. This allows for a custom fit and is designed to keep your lower jaw comfortable and positioned slightly forward while sleeping.

Many of our patients prefer a snore guard as a practical and less invasive alternative to CPAP therapy. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Defining Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Here at Advantage Dentistry, we always explore non-invasive treatment options first.

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. You may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. When central sleep apnea occurs, you may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep. Like with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and daytime sleepiness can occur. Regardless of the type you have, it’s best to explore your treatment options.

If you sleep apnea is a concern of yours, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Treating Sleep Apnea at Home

Sleep apnea can greatly affect your energy levels and increase the risks of conditions like heart disease and stroke. In addition to seeking treatment for sleep apnea, it is also important to help yourself at home. Advantage Dentistry here in Kenmore, NY is able to treat patients for sleep apnea. Read on to learn how to control it at home.

A Healthy Weight. Overweight individuals with extra weight on their neck can actually experience worsened effects from sleep apnea. It is important to keep a healthy weight to minimize the risk and symptoms of sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for someone your age and height.

Sleeping Position. Your sleeping position also greatly affects how severe your sleep apnea may be. Sleeping on your back will give you the worst effects. Instead, sleep on your side to allow a more open airway.

Sedatives. Sleep aids and alcohol are depressants that can make sleep apnea worse. Avoid such substances in order to facilitate easier breathing. The combination of sleep apnea and a depressant could result in death in severe cases.

Sleep apnea needs to be treated in order to avoid dangerous health complications. You will also feel refreshed and like you slept well once your sleep apnea is under control. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry of Kenmore, NY, call us at (716) 877-2275. For more information, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com.