I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Most people snore at some point in their lives. Snoring, which is created by the vibration of the tissues in the throat, usually during inhalation, can occur due to heavy colds, flu, sinus infections and allergies. In these cases, the effect on a person and their partner or family can be negligible.
However, there is a worse form of snoring, known as 'sleep apnea'. It is this form of snoring that can put a strain on relationships, cause the affected person and their partner to lose sleep, and even negatively affect learning and working capability.
The Reasons for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea affects approximately 25 million Americans and is more common in men than women. The most common form of sleep apnea is known as 'obstructive sleep apnea' (OSA). This form of sleep apnea commonly, but not exclusively, affects people who are overweight and occurs because the airway becomes blocked during sleep.
There is also a lesser form of sleep apnea known as 'central sleep apnea', but snoring does not tend to accompany this form.
The Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The loud snoring that is so typical of sleep apnea is not the only symptom to look out for. If you have this condition, you will likely also:
While sleep apnea can put a strain on your relationships, especially the one with your spouse or partner, you don't have to be confined to the spare room for the rest of your time together.
Dentistry, specifically oral appliance therapy, can stop your snoring and give you back your zest for life whilst allowing you and your spouse to sleep in the same room again.
Oral Appliance Therapy
If you think that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, visit your dentist and they will suggest oral appliance therapy as an effective treatment.
As the name suggests, oral appliance therapy involves the use of an oral appliance, which can be worn much like the mouth guards used by athletes or like the night guards that dentists recommend for bruxism (tooth grinding).
The Process
Once you and your dentist have agreed that oral appliance therapy is suitable for you, your dentist will perform an examination of your mouth and take an x-ray. Your dentist will then take digital or physical impressions of your mouth, which can be sent to a lab where your oral appliance will be custom made to fit your bite.
Before you begin wearing your appliance, your dentist will ensure that it fits comfortably, making any necessary adjustments, and should then schedule a future appointment to make sure the treatment is working. Oral appliances stop your snoring by keeping your jaw in a forward position. This enlarges the upper airway and stops the heavy vibrations of the throat that lead to snoring.
If snoring is tiring you out and putting a strain on your relationships, consult your dentist or doctor about the problem. Once they have determined that sleep apnea is the cause, you can then proceed with the treatment and put tiredness and the spare room behind you.
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