Is Snoring Dangerous?

Beyond the annoying noise, can snoring be a sign of a more serious problem? The short answer is – maybe.

What happens during snoring?

While you sleep, the muscles that keep your airway open during your waking hours are relaxed. The sound of snoring emanates from tissues vibrating as breath passes along the narrow section of your airway.

What makes snoring dangerous?

Snoring can be a warning sign that you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition that occurs when your air passage becomes temporarily blocked causing breathing to stop several times throughout the night. During these episodes, the brain is depleted of oxygen. OSA may increase your risk for heart attack or stroke and can also lead to waking up groggy, daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, weight issues, inability to concentrate, and moodiness.  

If I snore, does it mean I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

According to Dr. Robert L. Owens of the Sleep Disorders Research Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, “Most people who snore don't have obstructive sleep apnea, but most people who have apnea snore.”

How do I know for sure if my snoring is part of a more serious problem?

If your snoring is loud enough to keep your bed partner awake, you need to take action. The first step to diagnosing and treating sleep related problems is to have a consultation with a professional. At Great Lakes Dental, we offer a complimentary consultation to help evaluate your current sleep issues.

What are the solutions?

While you may know friends and family who use a bulky CPAP machine to treat Sleep Apnea, we offer a much more convenient solution. Our FDA approved OSA device is like an athletic mouthguard. This personalized oral appliance keeps the jaw in a forward position during sleep, allowing the airway to remain open. It is small, easily portable, quiet, comfortable, and highly effective. Uninterrupted breathing through the night with this device leads to deeper sleep, quieter sleep, waking up with more energy, and better focus throughout the day.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep-related issues like snoring, please contact the Great Lakes Dental team today for a free consultation.