Gulf Shore Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

My partner says I snore. Does this mean I have sleep apnea?

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but snoring does not always mean that you have sleep apnea. If you have loud, persistent snoring and wake up frequently during the night, you may have sleep apnea. But snoring is quite common and can occur for a number of reasons like anatomy, alcohol consumption, prescription medications and nasal problems.

Basically, as you sleepyour jaw drops open and causes you to snore as the soft tissue at the back of your throat vibrates. This vibration causes the loud noise that we hear as snoring. Since it occurs during sleep, many people are not aware of the presence or severity of their snoring.

If there is any question about your snoring and sleep apnea, you should talk to your physician. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea is through a sleep study. We can consult with your physician to arrange a sleep study for you.

Lack of treatment can eventually result in complications including exhaustion, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Once you have received a diagnosis, Childs and Childs Dentistry can provide you with treatment options based on the results of the sleep study.