Snoring is part of the human condition. It’s likely that everyone snores at one time or another. But there are some people who always snore when they sleep, and their snoring is loud enough to disturb others. Chronic loud snoring may be just that, or it may indicate a more serious condition. If you’re concerned about your snoring or that of a family member, consult Dr. James LoCascio at Highland Advanced Dental Care in Highland Township, MI.

About Sleep Apnea

The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea when the tissues inside the mouth relax too much during sleep and block the airway. When the oxygen levels drop, the sleeper briefly rouses, takes a breath, and returns to sleep. That can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, and yet the sleeper may not be aware of awakening at all!

Lack of refreshing, restorative sleep causes serious health and safety problems:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression
  • Morning headaches
  • Weight gain which may lead to pre-diabetes or diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of stroke and/or heart attack
  • Accidents while driving or while operating machinery

And many others.

Getting That Snoring Checked Out

It might seem odd to see a dentist for a breathing problem, but Dr. James LoCascio at Highland Advanced Dental Care in Highland Township, MI is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA). Dr. LoCascio provides free sleep apnea consultations.

The definitive test for sleep apnea is a sleep during. Instruments monitor your breathing, movements, and other signs while you sleep. Once apnea is confirmed, there are several effective options to help the person sleep deeply and awaken refreshed.

Treatment Options

A Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. The machine forces air through a mask into your airway, holding it open and allowing unobstructed breathing. CPAPs are very effective, but they come with some drawbacks that keep many people from using them.
The noise of the machine bothers some people including co-sleepers. The air hose can get tangled when the person rolls over during sleep. The mask and the straps that secure it can be hard for people to adjust to. And CPAPs are often awkward to use while you’re traveling.

Dr. James Locascio can provide a comfortable and completely portable oral appliance that will position your jaw to hold your airway open. Many people find an oral appliance to be the preferred solution to get restful, restorative sleep.

Don’t Take Chances With Your Health And Safety

If you or a loved one has loud, chronic snoring and is showing the signs of sleep apnea, the time to act is now. While losing weight can help some people diminish the severity of sleep apnea, it’s not a cure-all for everyone.

Schedule a free sleep apnea consultation with Dr. James LoCascio at Highland Advanced Dental Care in Highland Township, MI. Call our office today at 248-329-3552.