Snoring Keeping You Up at Night?

Do you or your partner snore during sleep? Or awaken feeling groggy and tired most mornings?

Annapolis area dentist Dr. Scott Finlay and his associate Dr. Lim offer treatment for patients who snore, bringing relief from symptoms and a good night’s sleep for all!

Snoring is not just the result of a stuffy nose or bad sleeping position. It can also signal a health concern called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) that has been linked to a greater risk of stroke, heart disease and other physical health issues. Patients who suffer from OSA actually stop breathing momentarily during sleep, depriving their organs of much needed oxygen, and restart with a loud snore.

OSA is frequently the result of a blocked airway and is more common in patients who are overweight or have enlarged tonsils. OSA is often undiagnosed, but there are several key symptoms that many experience and that should be brought to the attention of your doctor or dentist:

Loud snoring- sometimes only noticed by family members
Morning headaches
Feeling groggy or unable to concentrate, even after a “good night’s sleep”
Sleepiness during the day or while driving
Insomnia or frequently waking up at night
A consistent sore or dry throat in the morning

Dr. Finlay and Dr. Lim recommend oral appliance therapy for many patients who snore or have mild to moderate OSA. In some cases, patients may perform a test at home which can be analyzed by their physician and coordinated with Dr. Finlay for treatment with an oral appliance, or snore guard.

While the CPAP machine is often recommended and considered the “gold standard” for treatment of OSA, oral appliance therapy can also be very effective. Most patients prefer oral appliance therapy for comfort reasons and will be more likely to use it on a consistent basis: an important part of any treatment.

OSA can be a debilitating health issue when unresolved, affecting daily life for many as well as posing health risks. Discuss your concerns during a visit with Dr. Finlay or Dr. Lim in their Arnold dental office and restore your health with a better night’s sleep!