Snore Guards for Sleep Apnea

While commonly joked about, snoring can be both embarrassing as well as irritating. Embarrassing for the one snoring and irritating for the one sharing a room or bed with the one doing the snoring. Snoring can also be indicative of an issue called sleep apnea. ZenTech Dentistry can help with a snore guard.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects the quality of your sleep. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing is interrupted for several seconds while you sleep, an event that causes you to wake up, even if you do not know it. This occurs several times a night. As you sleep, your body goes through two different cycles. These cycles repeat several times. They are essential for allowing your body to rest and repair itself. When you have sleep apnea though, waking up interrupts these sleep cycles.

When you fall back asleep, your body has to start the sleep cycles all over again. Waking up several times a night prevents you from completing the sleep cycles you need for proper rest and repair, leaving you feeling exhausted in the morning and interfering in your daily life.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. There are several other symptoms as well. These symptoms include:

•	Waking up feeling extremely exhausted
•	Your throat and mouth may feel dry
•	You feel very tired throughout the day
•	You may find it difficult to concentrate or focus on your daily tasks
•	Irritability or difficulty controlling emotions
•	Trouble staying awake during the day. You might fall asleep at work or in the car while driving
•	Untreated sleep apnea can also cause health issues like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study. This is generally done in a sleep lab, although it can also be done in your home as well. During a sleep study, you are attached to machines while you sleep. These machines monitor your vitals, such as breathing, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and more. They also monitor your muscle movements. In the morning, the recorded results are assessed by a sleep specialist, who can diagnose sleep apnea or other sleep-related issues and suggest treatments to help improve your sleep, and your quality of life.

Treating Sleep Apnea With a Snore Guard

A snore guard is a specially made oral device that is worn while you sleep. It resembles a sports mouth guard in appearance and is worn over your teeth. The snore guard works to hold your teeth in proper alignment as you sleep, preventing your lower jaw from sliding back. By holding your lower jaw forward, your tongue and other oral tissues are prevented from falling into your airway, keeping it clear so you can breathe freely. We create your snore guard from an impression taken of your mouth, which aids in ensuring an effective, comfortable fit. Our snore guards are also made from the highest quality materials. With a custom-made snore guard, you can finally get the quality sleep that you need.

If snoring is affecting your life, a snore guard can help. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call ZenTech Dentistry today at (503) 765-9699.

Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Frank Sioda
18676 Williamette Dr. Suite 202
West Linn, OR 97068-1718