Has it been months since you got a good night’s sleep, not because of your own sleeping issues, but because of your spouse’s? Many couples find themselves struggling to get adequate rest, all because of one of them suffers from loud snoring. Sadly, snoring can be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is actually a dangerous health condition that can impact both one’s sleep and his or her overall health. So, if you do suspect your loved one could have OSA, it is important to seek treatment. The good news is that your dentist could likely help to address the OSA quickly and with minimally invasive treatment, and that could help you both start sleeping more soundly, soon!

Know the Warning Signs of OSA

There are actually several warning signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, snoring just happens to be one of the most common and most obvious. Other common symptoms of OSA include difficulty concentrating during the day, as well as irritability and even depression, which can be caused by any sleeping disorder.

Unfortunately, OSA, in particular, involves momentarily lapses in breathing as one sleeps, which can lead to a host of related medical conditions, such as heightened blood pressure and increased risk of heart-related problems like stroke.

How Can a Dentist Help?

In many cases, a sleep appliance is an effective form of treatment. That is because the device, which looks similar to a mouthguard, helps to keep the soft tissues from blocking one’s airway during sleep. This allows for more consistent breathing, which is essential to restful sleep and overall health.

To determine if a sleep appliance would be an effective treatment for your loved one, or yourself, schedule a consultation with your dentist.