Snoring is one of the symptoms of a health condition known as sleep apnea, a disorder that is actually quite hard to identify. The problem with sleep apnea is that it is a severe condition requiring immediate treatment. Because of this, dental professionals must determine if the snoring problem signifies the presence of sleep apnea as early as possible.
For the proper treatment of snoring problems, it is crucial to be aware of how snoring differs from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The fact is, a lot of people snore. Studies show an estimated 30% to 50% of the U.S. population experiences snoring. There are even those who snore significantly. The problem with excessive snoring is that it can trigger various problems including sleep disturbances, marital discord, and waking episodes.
One device that can be recommended for the sleep apnea sufferer is the mandibular advancement device. This is one of the most widely used dental appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea. It resembles a sports mouth guard in appearance and is useful in forcing the lower jaw down and forward slightly. This offers tremendous help in keeping the airway open, thereby preventing problems in breathing.
A tongue-retraining device can also be recommended to correct sleep apnea. This splint holds the tongue in the right position and works to keep the airway open. Regular dental visits are crucial because the device requires periodic adjustments or replacements.
