That’s right! Dentists are not just about clean teeth and sparkling smiles – they can also help you tackle that pesky snoring problem. So, if you’re sawing logs while you slumber, then it’s time to contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. You can reach our dentist in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 to start resting easier.

In today’s post, Dr. Bridges dives into five ways your dentist can help you (and everyone around you) get a better night’s sleep.

1. Oral Appliances: The Snore Stoppers

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a gadget that can help you stop snoring by gently repositioning your lower jaw and moving your tongue forward. This helps keep your airway open while you sleep, reducing breathing turbulence. 

2. Tongue Retaining Devices: Keep That Tongue in Check

If your snoring is caused by your tongue slipping back into your throat and blocking your airway, a tongue retaining device (TRD) might be just what you need. 

This device holds your tongue in a forward position, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct normal respiration while sleeping.

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Evaluation: Snoring’s Sneaky Sidekick

Sometimes, snoring is more than just a nuisance. In fact, it can be a sign of a more serious situation called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects around 940 million people worldwide.

OSA can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Many dentists can screen for OSA and collaborate with sleep specialists to diagnose and treat the condition. This might involve using a CPAP machine, making lifestyle changes, or even considering surgery. 

4. Dental and Orthodontic Treatments: Align Those Pearly Whites

Did you know that the alignment of your teeth and jaws can affect your snoring? It’s true! Dental issues like malocclusion (an improper bite) can contribute to snoring. 

Dr. Bridges can provide orthodontic treatments (such as braces or other corrective devices) to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaws. And a better-aligned bite can mean a better night’s sleep.

5. Lifestyle and Behavioral Advice: Healthy Habits for Quiet Nights

Dentists are full of wisdom when it comes to your overall health, and they can offer plenty of tips to help reduce snoring, such as:

• Sustaining a healthy weight
• Steering clear of alcohol and sedatives before bedtime
• Resting on your side instead of your back 
• Establishing a regular sleep routine
• Practicing good oral hygiene

Snoring Treatment in Duncan, OK

So, next time you visit your dentist, don’t just think about your teeth—think about your sleep! From oral appliances to orthodontic treatments, the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center has a variety of tools at their disposal to help you stop snoring. Learn more by calling (580) 255-4880 or request a consultation online here to get started!

The post 5 Ways Your Dentist Can Help You Stop Snoring appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges partners with a local sleep expert to provide comprehensive care. As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he offers patient education and personalized treatment options. As a part of your treatment team, he can help you enjoy more restful sleep, better overall health, and even a longer lifespan!

To learn more about the link between snoring and sleep apnea, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.

Why do you snore?

Snoring is a common problem, affecting 57% of American men, 40% of women, and 27% of children. It occurs when the soft tissue at the back of your throat vibrates as air passes over it. Light snoring is occasional and totally normal. But if you snore more than three times a week, or you have other symptoms of sleep disruption, you should definitely seek treatment. 

These symptoms can include: 

• Waking up suddenly with gasps for air
• Difficulty staying asleep 
• Chronic fatigue 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• High blood pressure 
• The need to urinate frequently at night 

The Link between Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Not everyone who snores has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but there is a proven link between the two conditions. In particular, very loud snorers are more likely to have OSA. You may suspect that you have sleep apnea if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. However, only a sleep study can provide a definitive diagnosis. 

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

If you suspect that you have OSA, it is important to contact a sleep specialist as soon as possible. Over time, OSA can have drastic consequences for your health. Indeed, if you suffer from sleep apnea, you may be at much greater risk for: 

• Heart attack 
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure 
• Heart disease
• Car accidents
• Depression and anxiety

How a Dentist Can Help 

It might seem odd to see a dentist for snoring, but who better understands oral anatomy? If you have a severe case, you may require a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which emits air to keep your throat open at night. More and more, however, doctors recommend oral appliances. These small, discreet devices realign the jaw and allow air to pass freely. 

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we use our state-of-the-art digital technology to design custom oral appliances. Our designs ensure that your appliance is both comfortable and effective, allowing you to enjoy a better (and quieter) night’s sleep than you may have had in years. 

Contact Us to Get Your Snoring under Control 

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Bridges’ office today. Reach us online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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