Many people may or may not know that in addition to being incredibly annoying to anyone within listening range, chronic snoring can 
sometimes be a sign of a potentially serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. What many people may also not be aware of is that a dentist can actually help to diagnose and offer treatment. When snoring becomes a problem for both the snorer and their loved ones, let the professionals at North Park Family Dental in Grand Rapids help you out.
Snore Guard in Grand Rapids
Almost everyone has heard of mouth guards for sports, and night guards for people who regularly grind their teeth in their sleep. Like night guards, a snore guard is worn while the person sleeps and can help to keep the volume down when the snorer gets too loud in the middle of the night through no fault of their own. Dr. Robert S. Dame, your dentist at North Park Family Dental in Grand Rapids, MI, also treats patients for problem snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the muscles that control breathing in the throat become relaxed and the airway is obstructed. The snore guard helps to keep the jaw in a normal position so that the tongue and muscles are not pulled back into the airway.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment in Grand Rapids
Chronic snoring caused by the sleep disorder results when there is a problem with the signal that the brain sends to the muscles that regulate breathing, causing a pause in breathing while the person is asleep. In many cases, the person sleeping next to the snorer will see that they have stopped breathing for a few seconds. Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and exhaustion, despite getting a full night's sleep
- Headaches
- Sore throat and dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Mouth breathing
Contact a Dentist in Grand Rapids
Chronic snoring can disrupt a family's quality of life, and in some cases may even be a sign of a potentially serious health problem (sleep apnea). To learn more about how to manage excessive snoring and for an accurate diagnosis, contact North Park Family Dental at (616) 361-7265 to schedule an appointment today.