Snoring Problems? A Concord, CA Dentist May Help

Although it is not considered a serious ailment, snoring is undoubtedly a very annoying habit that can ruin a good night’s rest. People snore when the flow in their airways gets obstructed, which can be caused by obesity, sinus infections, poor sleep posture, the presence of a long uvula, or a combination of these factors. While everyone occasionally snores in their sleep, habitual snorers are the people who need to worry.

Chronic snoring doesn’t just lead to fatigue and sleeplessness; it can also result in low oxygen levels in the blood, which can cause pulmonary hypertension, and interrupted breathing. The latter can then lead to a potentially-fatal condition known as sleep apnea. Habitual snorers are also likely to develop long-term headaches due to fatigue, which can seriously disrupt their daily activities.

So where does a dentist from Concord, CA fit in all this? Dentists can provide snore guards-- dental devices that resemble mouthpieces--which can widen the opening in the person’s airways. When worn at night, these devices can significantly reduce the tendency to snore.

Habitual snorers can also consult with a dentist about certain surgeries like Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty to correct any abnormalities in their airways. However, such treatments are irreversible and should be considered as a last resort.