Are you always feeling sleepy during the day?

Do you have sudden awakenings gasping for breath?

Do you snore very loudly ( witnessed by your bed partner) ?

You could be having Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a type of snoring.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ( OSA) is a condition when a person’s airway is blocked and breathing ceases for about 10 seconds, and such episodes repeatedly occur in the night while you are sleeping. Overweight, large tonsils or other physical attributes can cause this condition.

In general, snoring is a problem that does not just affect the snorer, but his partner and family too. I say ‘his’ partner because more men than women snore. Snoring is caused by flopping tissue that vibrate when you sleep. It is an indicator of Sleep Breathing Disorder.

Do you know that Obstructive Sleep Apnea, if not treated, may lead to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases?

How can a dentist help you?

Oral Appliance Therapy is a suitable treatment option for mild to moderate OSA patients and simple snorers. This kind of mandibular advancement splint help to position the lower jaw forward, thus clearing more space for the tongue. So, the next time you see your dentist for your routine 6 month check up, you may ask him or her whether your snoring condition is suitable for such therapy.

For severe form of OSA or complex snoring, please consult your medical doctor who can refer you to an ENT surgeon who will run some sleep test on you and recommend the appropriate treatment.