Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea and is a noise created by the partial blocking of the airway. When you fall asleep your muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing the air passage. Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth, the uvula, and the throat vibrate: a sound we know as snoring.

Moderate sleep apnea can be treated using multiple methods. However, studies have shown positive results with the use of a dental sleep apnea device with regular follow up visits may be a long term solution for sleep apnea sufferers. A customized night guard called the SomnoDent is created for your specific bite and actually positions your jaw in such a way that it opens up your airway. This allows more oxygen to enter your body and prevents or minimizes symptoms of sleep apnea.

The SomnoDent also prevents the tissues of the upper airway from vibrating as air passes over them, which is one of the main causes of snoring. This is a custom made medical dental appliance by combining a number of key design features which represent vast improvements on existing snoring appliances. SomnoDent has been reported to be a more comfortable and effective sleep apnea appliance. With the SomnoDent you’re not restricted to sleeping in only one position and you’re much more likely to use it, which is the main aspect of successful treatment. Feel free to contact us to learn more about sleep apnea and be sure to schedule your next appointment with us.

First of all, sleep apnea is a common condition among Americans today. So if you are one of those 12 to 18 million people who have sleep apnea there is no need to worry, solutions are available for the condition. The biggest concern for sleep apnea sufferers is the worry whether there is a link between sleep apnea and tooth decay. While there is a bit of controversy surrounding the subject, with some arguing that there is a link, but others disputing the fact, Dream Smile Dental has the facts.
 
People with sleep apnea frequently sleep with their mouth open. This can lead to their saliva drying out and they wake up in the morning with a dry mouth. In fact it is not unusual for sufferers to go to bed with a glass of water besides their bed. The reason salvia is so important is that saliva has a protective effect on the teeth. It keeps the acidity of the mouth regulated and helps protect against bacterial infection. In the absence of saliva the teeth are less well protected against the bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The bacteria can exist in plaque and they cause damage by releasing acids that breakdown the protective enamel of the tooth.
 
So how can you try to prevent these problems? Well we know that just closing your mouth isn't as easy as it sounds, so first try to find out if there is a particular position that causes your mouth to stay open. Some people find that sleeping on their back tends to make their symptoms worse, so switching to your side is a good alternative.
 
Remember practicing good oral hygiene during the day is a good idea to reduce the number of problem causing bacteria in your mouth. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash.