How many times have you been shaken awake by your agitated partner or bolted awake suddenly short of breath? Snoring can be an annoyance to you and those around you. Severe snoring can even cause strain on relationships when you and your partner are losing sleep. But did you know that snoring is more than just agitating? Snoring can be a warning sign of a serious medical condition or sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which you stop breathing while you are asleep. The muscles in the back of your mouth and throat relax, blocking your airway. You may stop breathing several hundred times a night. When you stop breathing there is a lack of oxygen to your vital organs. OSA is a known cause factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attacks. OSA should not be ignored: effective treatment can reduce symptoms, risks and restore your quality of life. If you are concerned that you may have OSA or a sleep disorder, schedule an appointment at our Annapolis dentist office with Dr. Scott Finlay.
Who Has The Highest Risk of OSA
- Men
- Older Adults
- Smokers
- Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
- Those Who Use Sedatives
- People Who are Overweight or Obese
Sleep Apnea Treatment MD
Always searching to offer the most conservative dental treatments, Dr. Finlay may suggest lifestyle changes to help ease your OSA. Losing weight or quitting smoking can improve symptoms of OSA and help maintain optimal oral and overall health. Some cases of OSA however, are too severe despite healthy lifestyles and may require additional treatment.
Dr. Finlay offers sleep apnea and snoring solutions through the use of oral appliance therapy. Dr. Finlay will take molds of your mouth and create a custom fit mouthpiece to help keep your airway open while you sleep. Your custom made Snore Guard will fit snuggly in your mouth stabilizing your lower jaw and tongue. The Snore Guard repositions your lower jaw, soft palate and tongue so that they will not collapse during sleep.
Many patients report feeling better rested and rejuvenated after just one night of using their new Snore Guard. Sleep is vital to living a long, healthy and productive life. If you believe that you or your partner is suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, contact our Annapolis dentist office to schedule your consultation.