When Snoring is a Cause for Concern

Some of us may snore after being exhausted from a long day at work or running around town getting errands done. When snoring begins to disrupt your partner, or if you find yourself feeling chronically fatigued after a long night of sleep, it may be time to evaluate this habit. The noisy sound of snoring occurs when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages toward the back of the mouth and throat. When snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. can help you treat the problem.

It’s important that habitual snorers get tested for sleep apnea because this condition can be very detrimental to a person’s overall health. Sleep apnea can make a person feel exhausted during the day, which may impair job performance and pose a danger to his or herself as well as others. Untreated sleep apnea also increases a patient’s risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other medical problems. Treatment for sleep apnea will depend on the diagnosis.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Defining Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Here at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., our doctors may suggest oral surgery to assist with sleep apnea, depending on the severity of the condition, but we always consider non-invasive options first.

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. You may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. When central sleep apnea occurs, you may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep. Like with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and daytime sleepiness can occur. Regardless of the type you have, it’s best to explore your treatment options.

If you sleep apnea is a concern of yours, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.