Snoring is a problem that can keep you awake at night and lead to sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, irritability, headaches and an inability to concentrate. It can be disruptive not only to the person who snores, but also the partner who lives with the snorer. Relationships can suffer if a partner becomes annoyed about not being able to sleep or having to sleep in a separate room. But snoring is treatable — your Westmount dentist can create a custom-made device that helps alleviate the snoring and improve sleep apnea, allowing you (and your partner) to get a restful night’s sleep.
What causes snoring?
Snoring is caused by the restriction of airflow through narrowed airways of the nose and throat. This limited airflow causes the tissues of these areas to vibrate, sometimes very noisily. Snoring can be affected by sleep stages, sleeping position, obesity and the use of medications and alcohol. Frequent disruptive snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder in which your breathing is frequently interrupted. Signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring and feeling worn, out even after a full night’s sleep. Getting proper treatment for this condition may help prevent other health problems that can be caused by sleep apnea. Certain types of sleep apnea can be treated by your dentist in Westmount with a custom-fabricated snore guard that minimizes snoring and helps combat sleep apnea.
What’s a snore guard?
There are various types of custom-made snore guards. Many of them work by positioning the lower jaw forward, which increases space in the airway and reduces soft tissue vibration. The custom fit allows small movements of the jaw and facilitates uninhibited oral breathing. This affordable device is flexible, thin and comfortable, and is effective for alleviating or even preventing the disruptive and unhealthy effects of snoring and sleep apnea.
If you suffer from excessive or disruptive snoring, our Westmount dentist and experienced team of dental professionals provides customised solutions to assuage snoring and help you (and your partner!) get a better night’s sleep.
