Snoring is often more than just an annoying sleep habit- it can be a sign of a more serious health condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Left untreated, OSA is linked to physical health risks such as stroke and cardiac arrest due to the nature of the disease: patients with OSA repeatedly stop breathing throughout their sleep and restart with a loud snore.
For more information on how we diagnose and treat sleep apnea, visit Snoring & Sleep Apnea.
This brief cessation of breathing can momentarily deprive the brain and other organs of necessary oxygen, which will have detrimental effects on health over time.
Dr. Gauthier can help patients assess their snoring and determine if they should be treated for OSA to reduce the health risks and symptoms associated with it:
- Morning headaches
- Feeling tired or sleepy throughout the day
- Inability to concentrate
- Snoring
Treatment often results in both improved sleep and improved overall health, reducing the risk of cardiac disease, stroke and hypertension.
Dr. Gauthier offers oral appliance therapy for the treatment of snoring and OSA.
Although the CPAP is considered the “gold standard” of effective treatment, many patients fail to comply over time due to the discomfort of the appliance and the inability to talk or drink fluids while wearing it.
Dr. Gauthier uses the Somnodent oral appliance, a custom-fit snore guard that effectively tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the airway to avoid a collapse that blocks the airway and results in periodic cessation of breathing.
Take your snoring seriously! Mention snoring at your next visit to Apex Dental, or schedule a consultation to address a possible health issue.