A good night’s sleep is necessary for your overall well-being and development. But a sleep disorder can drastically impact your sleep patterns, leaving you feeling fatigued the next day. One of the most common problems reported in Edmonton sleep clinics is snoring. And, if you’re not the only one on the bed, you can be sure that you’re also disturbing your partner.

As per a report in Snoring Canada, 40% adult men and 24% adult women are termed as habitual snorers in Canada. This just goes to show how prevalent the problem of snoring in Canada is. In some cases, snoring is a result of sleep apnea. If so, then your dentist might be able to treat this condition with ease. Our article today will focus on what is sleep apnea, and different types of treatments dentists use to treat the condition.

What is Sleep Apnea?

The federal website of the Government of Canada, states that “Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes your breathing to stop repeatedly while you sleep.” These breaks in breathing patterns usually last for a period of 10 to 30 seconds. And, they tend to occur repeatedly.

One of the most common types of apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. The rarer types include mixed apnea and central apnea. And loud snoring is considered to be one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.

How Can a Dentist Help Treat Snoring Problem?

Just like Edmonton sleep clinics, dental clinics too have treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring. The most common types of therapy are the CPAP therapy and the Oral appliance therapy.

At Edmonton Smiles, the concerned doctor will first refer you to a level 3 sleep test. After assessing the results of the test, the doctor will recommend you to opt for a trial CPAP therapy. If you fail to respond favorably to this treatment, then the doctor will suggest an oral appliance therapy.  Let’s take a closer look at both the treatment options.

  • CPAP Therapy

During sleep apnea, the air passage to your lungs tends to get narrower, which results in snoring.  A CPAP machine uses continuous positive airway pressure to keep the throat more fully open throughout the night, to prevent breathing stoppages that reduces or eliminates snoring.

  • Oral Appliance Therapy

Another commonly used treatment for snoring is the oral appliance therapy. In this treatment, your dentist will custom-fit an oral appliance in your mouth to reduce your snoring patterns. It is known to be an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. There are many types of oral appliances used to for this problem. After evaluating your condition and checking your test results, your dentist will suggest a suitable option for you.

Once you get your appliance, you will have to go for follow-up appointments to your dentist. Every visit will ensure your device fits perfectly in your mouth. Oral appliance therapy is a long-term treatment, and with the help of your dentist, you will be able to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you have been looking for an Edmonton sleep clinic, then get in touch with us at Edmonton Smiles. We will be more than happy to help you with your sleep-related and dental problems.

Posted in Sleep Apnea