This article was last updated on: 5/19/2023.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Along with Teeth clenching Can Ruin Your Sleep. It’s time you find relief.
Snoring can be a sign of a more serious problem. But if you’re unsure about what to do or where to start, we’re here to help. Our “Lincoln, NE snoring and sleep apnea expert near me, Dr. Kim Polley,” offers comfortable custom oral appliances to help you get a better night’s sleep. Sleeping better means living better, so you can get back to enjoying life again.
Commonly asked questions relating to snoring and sleep apnea we’ll answer include:
What else can cause snoring besides sleep apnea?
Can my dentist in Lincoln, NE help with snoring and sleep apnea?
Is there a way to permanently fix sleep apnea and snoring?
How are snoring and sleep apnea related?
According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea and snoring are closely related, as snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.
Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction in the airway, causing vibrations in the throat’s tissues as air passes through. This can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people who are overweight or obese and in men.
Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to a drop in oxygen levels in the blood. This happens when the airway becomes completely blocked, often due to the collapse of soft tissue in the throat. Thus, snoring is often the first sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
In summary, snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. If you or a loved one snores loudly and persistently, or if you suspect sleep apnea, it’s important to talk to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Learn more about sleep apnea?
How are snoring and sleep apnea connected to the dentist?
There may be many contributing factors to OSA. But, speaking from a dental standpoint, we can confidently say that a malocclusion and a low-lying soft palate may be contributing reasons for OSA. Even if you are experiencing other symptoms such as snoring, airway crowding, or you have a deviated septum, there is still a chance that an oral appliance may help.
Often, dentists will work together along with other physicians to help address sleep apnea or breathing disorders related to sleep with treatment known as oral therapy with custom-fit appliances. There is a process to follow, however, to make sure that the problem is adequately addressed.
Here’s how oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea in Lincoln, NE typically works:
- First, the patient will undergo a polysomnography (or sleep study) at a sleep center accredited by the AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine) or will use an approved device for remote sleep monitoring.
- After the test is complete, it will be determined at that point if the patient has sleep apnea. If so, a physician may recommend wearing an oral appliance during sleep.
This device is similar to that of an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard worn during sports. It helps prevent the airway from closing by either holding the tongue down or supporting the jaw in a forward position. Afterward, dentists monitor the patient’s progress and provide adjustments as well as follow-up and long-term care.
What about snoring and sleep apnea and teeth grinding…
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or an abnormal bite can cause all be to blame. As a result, teeth grinding can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and damage to the teeth and gums.
Snoring and teeth grinding can be treated with various techniques, including lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and medical interventions.
If you’re looking for a “simple fix for snoring and sleep apnea,” do know that it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider, our dentist in Lincoln, NE, Dr. Kim Polley, or another expert for sleep disorders if you are experiencing either of these problems to determine the underlying cause and find the most appropriate treatment.
Several techniques can be effective in reducing snoring and sleep apnea and even snoring and teeth grinding.
Learn more about oral appliance therapy from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine®.
Watch “How a Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea and Snoring”
With Dr. Kim Polley and Dr. Kathryn Alderman.
What happens when snoring and sleep apnea are not treated?
Sleep matters! And, the truth is that there are real consequence for not treating health conditions such as sleep apnea.
Dental health and sleep are a very critical component in maintaining optimum wellness. Not treating sleep apnea and snoring can have serious consequences on your overall health and well-being.
Here are some of the potential consequences:
- High blood pressure: Sleep apnea is a common cause of high blood pressure. When you stop breathing during sleep, it causes a stress response in the body, which can increase blood pressure.
- Depression and anxiety: People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. Sleep disruption can affect mood and cognitive function, leading to a decline in mental health.
- Heart disease: Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In particular, the drop in oxygen levels and the stress response that occur with sleep apnea can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels over time.
- Daytime fatigue: Sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, which can affect your ability to function at work or at home. It addition, it can also increase your risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.
- Reduced quality of life: Chronic snoring and sleep apnea can affect your quality of life, leading to reduced productivity, social isolation, and a decrease in overall enjoyment of life.
- Diabetes: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The stress response caused by sleep apnea can lead to insulin resistance, which can contribute to the development of diabetes.
Snoring, on the other hand, often occurs as a result of sleep apnea, narrowing of the airway, or the airway being blocked. Also, loud snoring, or snoring that occurs long-term, could lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other health problems. Ultimately, not treating snoring and sleep apnea could lead to bigger problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions About…
Snoring and Sleep Apnea in
Lincoln, nE
What else can cause snoring besides sleep apnea?
Snoring can often be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea, which is characterized by episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep.
Besides sleep apnea, there are a few other common causes, such as:
- Being overly tired
- Stuffy nose or clogged sinuses
- Consuming alcohol or sedatives before bed
- Dehydration
- Allergens such as dust that build up in your bedroom, pillows, and mattress
- Sleeping on your back
- Excess body weight
Although this is not a complete list, we chose some of the more prevalent causes aside from sleep apnea, that may be leaving you or your loved one snoring.
The first step is to always visit with your doctor or Lincoln, NE dentist. They can then guide you in the right direction so that you get the appropriate treatment.
Is there a way to permanently fix sleep apnea and snoring?
Yes! Both sleep apnea and snoring can be treated. There are several effective treatments available to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. However, the best treatment approach will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.
In many cases, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can significantly reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. For more severe cases of sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth while you sleep, which delivers a constant stream of air pressure to keep the airway open. Oral appliances, surgery, and positional therapy may also be effective treatments for sleep apnea and snoring.
What can dentists do for patients with sleep apnea and snoring?
Dentists can provide necessary support and treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring patients.
Furthermore, dentists can play an important role in the treatment of patients with sleep apnea and snoring. Here are some ways in which dentists can help:
- Oral appliances: Dentists can design and fit custom oral appliances, such as a mandibular advancement device, to help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices are worn in the mouth and work by shifting the position of the jaw to keep the airway open.
- CPAP masks: Dentists can help patients who use CPAP therapy by fitting them with a custom mask that is comfortable and properly fitted to reduce air leakage and improve adherence to treatment.
- Referral for further evaluation: Dentists can refer patients for further evaluation by a sleep medicine specialist if they suspect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
- Education and counseling: Dentists can educate patients about the risk factors and consequences of sleep apnea and snoring and provide counseling on lifestyle changes that can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Can my dentist in Lincoln, NE help with snoring and sleep apnea?
Of course! While we do have our niche at Nebraska Family Dentistry, Northstar Dental, which is dentistry of all kinds and catering to anxious patients, do know that we may be able to help those of you who suffer from OSA, too.
As previously mentioned, an oral appliance should always be prescribed by a trained medical professional.
Our team at Northstar Dental offers many dental services. Any dental concerns, for example temporomandibular joint disorders such as TMJ, can also be addressed during a routine cleaning.
If you are showing dental signs of sleep apnea, be compliant and be sure to have frequent check-ups with your dentist in Lincoln, NE. In this case, doing so will ensure its long-term benefits and your overall health. Sweet dreams!
Can teeth or jaw clenching cause snoring ?
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding can result from untreated anxiety and or stress. In addition, a misaligned jaw can also cause teeth grinding. In short, teeth grinding can cause significant damage to teeth and result in headaches and a painful jaw. What else? Teeth grinding can also make you snore quite loudly, resulting in a
Additional Resources for
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
In Lincoln, NE
Additionally, view YouTube videos from Dr. Kim Polley on our YouTube Channel.
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The information on this page was written by Dr. Kimberly Polley.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “I believe that everyone is entitled to a healthy life. I am happy to work with my patients’ concerns and help them overcome their fears. Consequently, once they overcome their fears, they can routinely receive the dental care that they need, resulting in a healthy, beautiful smile.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at her North Lincoln Location of Nebraska Family Dentistry. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Northstar Dental in Waverly, Davey, Raymond, Garland, Ceresco, Greenwood, and Malcom.
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