Snoring is something that many of us don’t spend much time thinking about. In fact, the only time we actually spend time analyzing snores is when our partner is keeping us awake at night. However, behind the snore lurks a danger that many people are unaware of. A common, not so silent killer, obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, plagues many people who snore.

Untreated OSA can take up to an astonishing fifteen years off your life expectancy. It is also responsible for a number of additional conditions that result from or worsen due to the sleeping disorder. Dentists, such as Mark Levy DDS, are now taking an interest in treating this dangerous condition. They’re educating themselves on the dangers of OSA and other sleeping disorders. They’re also creating new, state of the art treatment options for these patients.

Snoring Often Leads to OSA Diagnosis

Not all people who snore suffer from sleeping disorders. However, with the risk of a shorter life span, heart disease, and a number of other issues, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. If there’s a chance that you may be suffering from OSA or another sleeping disorder you should seek treatment as soon as possible. The symptoms and side effects of sleep apnea are greatly reduced with proper treatment.

Many people who snore excessively or have OSA have difficulties sleeping at night. This results in daytime fatigue as well as a number of other health and mental problems. While these specially trained dentists are able to treat the majority of OSA cases, they aren’t able to diagnose the condition. On the other hand, medical doctors are able to diagnose the condition, but many patients fail to comply with their treatment plans. These two groups are now joining together to help develop a treatment plan that patients are willing and able to follow.

It’s estimated that there are nearly 25 million Americans suffering from sleeping disorders that affect breathing. Around 80 percent of these individuals suffer from moderate to severe OSA and are undiagnosed. Most of them have no idea there’s a problem or that they’re at serious risk of potentially fatal consequences.

Many patients are shy when it comes to discussing their snoring habits or difficulty sleeping. However, it’s important to recognize that this can be a warning sign for a much bigger issue. The act of snoring occurs when there is some form of obstruction in the airway. This can occasionally be caused by illness. However, if the snoring persists then OSA could be the culprit. You wouldn’t ignore a fire alarm, so don’t ignore the alarm of snoring.

Treating   Snoring and OSA

Using anti-snoring devices can cure or minimize the snoring problem. However, they don’t do enough to effectively treat OSA. These devices only hide the symptoms of your sleeping disorder. This is why it’s so important to look at the big picture and talk to your doctor about any concerns.

Leaving your sleeping disorder undiagnosed and untreated is extremely dangerous. Sleep disorders such as OSA are often accompanied by a slew of other conditions. Daytime drowsiness is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to being tired and snoring, many people experience pain and weight gain. It also limits your ability focus as well as your memory. Some people even go on to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and several other serious conditions.

Often times people think that the serious conditions resulting from sleep apnea won’t happen to them. However, it’s important to understand that even the most basic side effect, drowsiness, is extremely dangerous. Without adequate sleep our ability to focus and our reaction time both decrease considerably. This makes someone with untreated OSA far more likely to be involved in some kind of accident. In fact, OSA is thought to be a major contributor to many automobile and workplace accidents. And, in these situations, you aren’t only risking your life, but also the lives of others.

Finding the Best Treatment to Stop Snoring and OSA

One of the biggest challenges for OSA patients is following their treatment plan. The typical treatment option is the use of a CPAP device. This machine provides a gentle, steady airflow through a hose and mask. The continuous airflow helps keep the airway open by preventing obstruction. This eliminates snoring and apnea episodes. However, the machine can be cumbersome, uncomfortable, and loud. Though it’s the most effective treatment option for OSA, it has the lowest rate of compliance. Nearly 20% of patients stop using their CPAP within the first six months of treatment.

Thankfully, the dental and medical communities have joined together to create another viable treatment option. Dental appliances are being used to support the soft tissue in the back of the mouth to help keep airways open. This also reduces or eliminates snoring while treating OSA. This option allows patients to get a good night of solid sleep. They instantly see improvement as far as daytime drowsiness, energy level, memory, concentration, and so much more.

These custom made mouth guards also help with the hidden consequences of OSA. The body isn’t struggling for oxygen throughout the night, so stress on the heart and brain are significantly less. In fact, OSA patients who follow their treatment plan often see improvement in their elevated blood pressure.

Are You a Candidate to Treat Your OSA with a Dental Appliance?

Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate when it comes to the use of dental appliances to treat OSA. The only way to know for sure is to speak with an expertly trained dentist who is highly experienced in this method of treatment. They’ll evaluate your specific situation and determine if this type of therapy is right for you.

Your dentist and doctor may recommend an additional sleep study in conjunction with the dental appliance therapy. This will ensure the appliance is working as it should to counteract both the snoring and the apnea episodes. From there, adjustments can be made in order to give you the best treatment possible.

Don’t hide or shy away from your snoring. Discuss it with your doctor. It could be a symptom of the dangerous sleeping disorder, obstructive sleep apnea.

Call Mark Levy DDS today at (614) 777-7350 to learn more about how we can help you manage your OSA and put an end to your snoring.