There are some dentists who have acquired the advanced training to treat snoring and sleep apnea, both of which can be very serious health disorders. People with one or both of these symptoms have an increased likelihood of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, excessive sleepiness, obesity and a host of other disorders. Many people who snore eventually develop sleep apnea, a condition wherein the tongue blocks the airway and causes breathing to stop. This can become a life-threatening condition.
With a diagnosis and referral from a board-certified sleep specialist, a dentist with advanced sleep dentistry training can often treat your sleep apnea with a small custom fitted oral appliance. The device fits like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer and most often prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a slightly forward position.
If you or someone you know suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, contact a trained dentist for a consultation and screening.
