Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Medical experts estimate over 30 million American adults snore on a regular basis. While men are 50% more likely to snore than women, someone is losing sleep. Many people don’t consider a trip to the dentist to cure snoring, but Dr. Sheen has many options for couples or individuals struggling with snoring or sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are becoming a growing health concern. Dr. Vernon Sheen offers diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea and snoring to improve health and reduce the risks of greater health risks.

Snoring and sleep apnea treatment in Annapolis, MD

Snoring Solutions In Annapolis

While some patients are able to correct snoring by sleeping on their side, avoiding alcohol before bed, losing weight, quitting smoking, or treating allergies, others are unable to stop snoring without professional help.

A consultation is necessary for our dentist in Annapolis, MD to determine if you suffer from simple snoring or OSA. He is then able to offer oral appliance therapy. Sometimes called a snore guard, this is a custom-fit mouthpiece similar to a night guard, which you wear while you sleep to realign the jaw and open airways for breathing.

Snoring Vs. Sleep Apnea

What is the difference between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is a symptom of Sleep Apnea. Snoring is a mild disorder that results from obstructed airways during sleep in which breathing becomes very loud.

An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a serious medical disorder and the most common form of sleep-related breathing disorder. Patients who suffer from OSA often stop breathing during their sleep for 10 or more seconds during the night.

This deprives the internal organs of much-needed oxygen, raising the risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. If you already have heart disease or diabetes, OSA can exacerbate symptoms and make disease management more difficult.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

Although loud snoring is the most recognizable sign of a sleep disorder, there are other signs that indicate you may have sleep apnea if you are unaware that you snore. These can include:

  • Feeling groggy upon waking, even after “sleeping” a sufficient number of hours
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating

Sleep Apnea and Gout

Recent medical studies have identified the correlation between sleep apnea and gout. The physiological changes that can occur during sleep apnea have been shown to cause attacks of gout, often in patients who do not have any obvious risk factors for sleep apnea.

Dr. Sheen works with patients who complain of snoring to determine if they do have a sleep disorder or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can be effectively treated to restore health. Dr. Sheen will discuss your medical history, lifestyle habits, and health concerns and may recommend that a sleep study be performed for diagnosis.

Understanding the common signs of sleep apnea is important, as many patients suffer for years without being diagnosed:

  • Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
  • Dry mouth in the morning
  • Snoring
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restless sleep, sudden waking

Doctors now consider experiencing attacks of gout as a sign that you are suffering from a sleep disorder, especially if you have no other risk factors for gout.

Schedule a Dental Exam & Sleep Apnea Consultation

A good night’s sleep is the key to overall wellness and good quality of life each day. If you have concerns about your snoring or sleep habits or have a partner who snores, discuss them with Dr. Sheen. Restoring your sleep will reduce your risk of overall health problems and have you enjoying life again- feeling wide awake! Of course, we can also help you with any other dental concerns you may be experiencing.

Contact us to schedule an appointment for snoring and sleep apnea treatment options at The Annapolis Center for Dental Health & Wellness. Our office is conveniently located near the Annapolis Mall, and we are currently accepting new patients.