Not all people that snore have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but most people that have OSA do snore. Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can lead to a multitude of health problems. If you have been told by your partner, friends, or family that you snore while you sleep, you may have OSA. If you wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed, your rest may be getting interrupted by OSA. 

Health problems from OSA

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissues of your throat relax so much that it blocks your airway. This blockage obstructs your breathing. Your brain will realize that you are not breathing and will wake you up to stop the deprivation of oxygen. This stressful event can happen multiple times in one night. Stress can cause high blood pressure. Because OSA disrupts the oxygen levels in the blood, it can change the blood flow to the heart. Sleep apnea increases the risk for heart disease, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. It can cause also cause frequent drowsiness, exhaustion, mood swings, and weight gain.

Treatment

Your dentist can thoroughly exam you and ask a series of questions to determine if your snoring is the result of OSA. After your dentist determines that you suffer from sleep apnea, you will have option for treatment. Your dentist will fit you for an oral appliance similar to a mouth guard. The appliance will gently shift your jaw into a position preventing the soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.

If you think your snoring could be sleep apnea, get treatment

Dr. Richards can determine if your snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea. Schedule a consultation with the Dental Centre of Conroe, TX by calling (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Montgomery, Magnolia, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities.