Snoring Treatment and Sleep Apnea


Sellwood-Moreland and Portland OR

Individuals with Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder or Obstructive Sleep Apnea experience significant airflow disruptions during sleep, which in turn can cause a variety of health problems. Learn what to look for and how your dentist can help.

At one time or another, everyone has experienced occasional bouts of insomnia and its consequences. However, if you experience restless sleeping too often, you could be suffering from a sleep breathing disorder known as sleep apnea.

  • Sleep apnea sufferers experience a variety of symptoms including:
  • Excessive daytime fatigue
  • Mood swings/irritability
  • Snoring while asleep
  • Waking with a dry mouth or a sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Memory problems
  • Lack of focus
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Night sweats
  • Accident prone

When sleep apnea occurs, it results in the soft tissues of the airway collapsing during sleep, blocking airflow. In turn, this results in the snoring sound that is often associated with sleep apnea sufferers. Also, sleep apnea may cause a person to gasp for air while sleeping. Often, these occurrences are unknown to the person with sleep apnea, which is why sleep breathing disorders go undiagnosed in many cases.

During the sleep apnea episodes, the person may wake nearly 50 times or more per hour. This means that the body is being awakened out of a deep sleep, and is being robbed of the necessary oxygen that it needs to thrive. This is precisely why sleep apnea sufferers often experience excessive fatigue when awake.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Loud snoring is common, and often one of the most obvious signs of sleep apnea. However, do not rely solely on this symptom to determine if you have a sleep breathing disorder. Instead, consult the dental professionals at Whole Health Dentistry for sleep apnea treatment in Portland, OR. Only a dentist trained in sleep breathing disorders can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

Get snoring treatment now

Sleep breathing disorders can affect your overall health. Your body needs oxygen to thrive and maintain optimal well being. It is important that you seek treatment immediately if you believe that you have sleep apnea.

At Whole Health Dentistry, we can easily treat sleep apnea with an oral orthotic known as a DNA Appliance. Patients find this treatment is more comfortable and convenient when compared to the traditional CPAP machine that is often associated with sleep apnea treatment.

Know that you have options, and Whole Health Dentistry is here to help. There’s also some beneficial cosmetic benefits, as the device can also help straighten teeth and help develop a better-looking smile.

Oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea

The DNA Appliance® (Daytime-Nighttime Appliance) has been highly researched and clinically proven to work naturally to non-surgically remodel the airway. This treatment has been shown to be a good remedy to try before moving on to more complicated breathing devices or more invasive surgery, including the removal of excess tissues in the throat.

Over-the-counter oral appliances can be found at drug stores and even online, but oral appliances simply are not meant to treat patients as a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient’s mouth is different, which is why the custom-made DNA appliances offered at Whole Health Dentistry provide superior results.

If you or someone you know suffers from sleep apnea, or is a loud snorer, contact Whole Health Dentistry today at (503) 462-1538 to schedule an evaluation.

Whole Health Dentistry offers complete oral care to patients of Sellwood-Moreland and Portland, Oregon.