Your Partners Snoring Could Be OSA and Cause for Concern
As an OSA dentist in Burlington, I have heard many patients joke about their partner’s snoring. While it may seem harmless or even a little funny, persistent loud snoring could be a red flag for a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. At Chittenden Dental, we want patients to understand that sleep-disordered breathing is not something to ignore.
What is OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, often due to the collapse of soft tissues in the throat.
This blockage forces the body to repeatedly wake up throughout the night, sometimes without you even realizing it. Your brain essentially jolts you awake to resume breathing, leading to fragmented sleep and decreased oxygen levels. Over time, untreated OSA can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even memory problems.
Why Your Partner’s Snoring Matters
From my perspective as a Burlington sleep apnea dentist, snoring is more than a nighttime nuisance. In fact, it is often a symptom of airway obstruction. If your partner snores loudly, gasps for air, or seems excessively tired during the day, it may be time to get evaluated for OSA.
Many couples come to me because one partner’s disrupted sleep is affecting both of their health and wellbeing. Addressing the problem benefits not just the person with OSA, but their loved ones as well.
Dental Sleep Medicine Can Help OSA
While CPAP machines are a well-known treatment for OSA, they are not the only solution. As a Burlington dentist’s office that offers dental sleep medicine, I provide custom oral appliance therapy for many patients. These appliances are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway opens throughout the night.
These orthotics for sleep apnea are small, comfortable, and easy to travel with, making them an excellent alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Many of my patients find that oral appliances dramatically reduce snoring and improve their overall quality of sleep.
Taking the First Step
If you or your partner suspects sleep apnea, the first step is a proper diagnosis. This usually involves a sleep study, which can often be done at home. Once we understand the severity of the condition, we can create a personalized treatment plan that may include a dental orthotic.
At Chittenden Dental, we are committed to helping our patients breathe easier and sleep better. If snoring is disrupting your nights, do not dismiss it as a minor inconvenience. I encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can determine whether dental sleep medicine could be the solution for you or your partner.
