It is estimated that as many as 50% of us snore
regularly. For some, snoring is no more than an
occasional, inconvenient habit. However, chronic,
heavy snoring can be more serious.
Simple snoring can disturb others and cause a dry
mouth or sore throat. Heavy snoring is often a
symptom of sleep apnea, which can be associated with
hypertension, stroke and other cardiopulmonary
problems. Is someone snoring in your house?
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WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
The Greek word apnoia literally means “without breath”. There are
three types of apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three,
obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause
of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing
repeatedly during the night, often for a minute or longer.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA?
- choking or interrupted breathing during sleep
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- morning headaches
- a strong urge to sleep during the day
- jerking limb movements during sleep
- awakening tired and thirsty
- snoring
SLEEP APNEA MAY CAUSE THE FOLLOWING
- daytime fatigue
- memory impairment
- poor work performance
- loss of sexual interest
Severe sleep apnea can result in serious complications, including high
blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and even heart failure.
Patients with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in automobile
accidents. In addition, accidents associated with drowsiness are more often fatal.
WHAT CAN A DENTURIST DO?
A Denturist can fit you with an oral appliance specially designed to
treat snoring and sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are small and easy to wear. They weigh only a couple
of ounces, which makes them easy to travel with. In addition, they are
relatively inexpensive when compared to other alternatives such as surgery
and CPAP. As well, oral appliances are non-invasive, and non-surgical.
Some medical insurance companies cover the cost of these appliances.
Oral appliances may be available from a specially trained Denturist
in your area. Custom fitting is simple and painless.
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