How to Correct Snoring Through Dentistry

Los Angeles, California

Snoring can not only be annoying to those around you, but it can also signal, and even cause, serious health problems.

At A Unique Dental Experience,® Los Angeles snoring cessation dentist Dr. Dell Goodrick has helped many patients just like you find real solutions for their snoring—ultimately leading to happier and healthier lives. In fact, just one snoring cessation or oral appliance dentistry consultation may be all that is needed to move you forever away from your continual sleep-deprived state!

What Causes Snoring

The sound of snoring is caused when the soft tissues in the back of a person’s throat relax during sleep, partially obstructing the airway located at the back of the tongue. Your incoming breath into the constricted airway causes those soft tissues near the back of tongue to vibrate; hence, that loud, grating noise.

The blocked airway can also cause a decrease in a person’s oxygen levels while sleeping, which can affect everything from lung and heart function, to brain function.

A patient who snores heavily may wake up many times in one night, never getting the adequate deep-level sleep necessary. This is called sleep apnea. Studies have shown that sleep apnea can be linked to an increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease.

In addition, snoring and sleep apnea can lead to a number of problems that affect your daily life, including:

• Ongoing fatigue
• Irritable moods and/or depression
• Memory and concentration problems
• Relationship concerns
• Headaches
• Weakened immune system
• Heightened frequency of personal accidents
• Decreased sex drive

How Dentistry Can Help

One of the most common treatments for snoring and sleep apnea is a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure device. Some patients love their CPAP machine; others dislike it for the inconvenience, required nasal mask and more.

Trained snoring prevention dentist Dr. Goodrick offers alternatives to CPAP therapy, including prescribing a custom-fitted oral “appliance.” This appliance looks much like an athletic mouthguard and is typically made of acrylic or silicone.

A snoring-aid appliance can be placed in the mouth before sleep to prevent snoring. The mouthpiece helps keep the airway at the back of the tongue open while a person sleeps by holding jaw and other muscles in place.

Are you interested in learning more about how dentistry can control your snoring and improve your health and well-being? Los Angeles-area residents, please contact the dental office of dentist Dr. Dell Goodrick.