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While you are sleeping, the most embarrassing thought is to be told that you snore. When you snore in your sleep, it means that your lungs are not getting as much oxygen as they need. When breathing becomes partially or completely obstructed, a potentially life-threatening condition known as sleep apnea is present. The next time you are told you snore, don't get embarrassed. Have Dr. Barnes in Boulder evaluate you for sleep apnea. Snoring is such a common problem that people tend to under-rate its seriousness. Disrupted sleep on an on-going basis can affect the physical well-being of both the snorer and partner alike. ENT specialists are not the only ones to treat snoring; a dentist who is trained in sleep apnea can evaluate you for a special oral appliance for sleeping. Oral appliances have been effective for many people who snore, including those suffering from mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. What Causes Snoring and Sleep Apnea? When you are asleep, the muscles and soft tissues in your throat and mouth relax. The lower jaw and tongue drop back, blocking the airway opening. As the airway narrows, there is an increase in the velocity of air flowing through your airway when you breathe. This causes the tissues in your mouth begin to vibrate, which results in snoring. The sound you hear when someone snores is actually the sound of the tissues in your mouth and throat vibrating. In severe cases, the collapse of the upper airway is so complete that the lungs may not receive oxygen for up to 30 seconds, which is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea. In response to the deprivation of oxygen, your body triggers an internal alarm, which partially wakes you up. This is usually accompanied by loud gasps for air that can last for 3 seconds or more until you fall asleep and the cycle begins again. Snoring can also be affected by diet, health, lifestyle, age, weight, environment and other factors. What is a Snore Guard? A snoring mouth guard is a device that is inserted into your mouth when you are sleeping to help you stop snoring, much like a night-guard for tooth grinding. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine has recently identified oral appliances as an effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a device custom made by a Dentist trained in dental sleep medicine, like Dr. Barnes in Boulder. It does so by supporting your jaw and tongue from dropping back into the throat while you are sleeping. There are many types of oral appliance styles that can be provided by Dr. Barnes in Boulder. Dr. Barnes can help you choose what might be best for you whether it is for snoring, sleep apnea, bruxism, or jaw pain. If you snore or someone you know snores, visit Dr. Mark Barnes in Boulder today for further consultation. Oral appliances are comfortable, FDA approved, and easy to wear so that you can end your snoring problems and achieve a better night's sleep.
Dr. Mark Barnes, Boulder dentist, has been practicing dental health care for 24 years with an emphasis on personalized attention for general family dentistry, treatments for Boulder headaches, TMJ, and sleep apnea and snoring. Dr. Barnes also offers sedation for anxiety or complex dental care.
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