Not only does snoring disrupt your sleep, but if the cause is sleep apnea, snoring can pose a serious health risk. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can stem from a partially obstructed airway. With this condition, the soft tissue and muscles in your mouth and throat relax, which makes your airway shrink. If your airway becomes small enough, your soft palate and uvula begin to vibrate when you inhale and exhale, which generates the snoring sound. With sleep apnea, you stop breathing for ten seconds or longer and cut off the flow of oxygen to the brain. This can occur hundreds of times throughout the night.
For snoring and obstructive sleep apnea relief, Dr. Mosby can fit you with a snoreguard. This oral appliance will keep your lower jaw in proper position so that your airway remains open when you sleep. Small and flexible, a snoreguard resembles an athletic mouthpiece and is easy to use. You don't have to worry about masks, hoses, or power cords with a snoreguard.
Get a good night's sleep. Call our Kingwood office to make an appointment. Patients from around the Houston area, including Humble, Crosby, and Spring, choose Dr. Mosby as their dentist. Learn more about sleep apnea in our patient library.