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Writer's pictureModern Dentistry Associates

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATING SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA

Chronic snoring may be more than an annoyance to your partner. It may also be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to potentially life-threatening health problems.

If you or a loved one suffers from loud, recurring snoring, St. Joseph, Michigan, dentist Dr. Sven Erickson can assess whether your snoring may be associated with sleep apnea and recommend a treatment option suited to your unique needs. Please call Modern Dentistry Associates at 269-264-4388 to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you restore restful sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and dangerous form of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is generally due to the relaxation of muscles in the throat, which allows the collapse of the soft palate; this narrows and obstructs the airway, restricting oxygen in the blood.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk for life-threatening medical conditions including:

  1. High blood pressure (hypertension)

  2. Stroke

  3. Heart attack

  4. Cardiac arrhythmia

Although regular snoring is the most commonly acknowledged symptom of sleep apnea, most people with sleep apnea experience multiple symptoms that also include:

  1. Daytime drowsiness

  2. Morning headaches

  3. Regularly waking with a sore throat and/or dry mouth

  4. Difficulty concentrating

  5. Waking up choking or gasping for air

  6. Depression

  7. Weight gain

There are a number of treatment options for sleep apnea. Many patients benefit from custom-made oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards that are designed to maintain an open airway as you sleep. Dr. Erickson can help you determine the best choice for your individual needs.

If you or a loved one experiences chronic snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact Modern Dentistry Associates to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. We welcome patients from throughout southwest Michigan, including St. Joseph, Niles and Kalamazoo, as well as the greater South Bend, Indiana, area.

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