San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

People who suffer of sleep apnea have a problem where the back of their throat constricts the amount of air that pass through. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat to breathe normally. A constricted or collapsed airway is what causes snoring or sleep apnea. A dental appliance that is made to treat sleep apnea holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The dental appliance maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. When the jaw opens and the tongue falls back into the back of the mouth or throat, the airway narrows forcing air through a limited opening. This is how vibration is created in the throat known as snoring. Snoring seems physically harmless, but to a dentist it can be a "red flag" for much more serious and life threatening condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). If you or a loved one suffers from OSA please contact Dr. Sean Anderson's office for an evaluation. Isn't it time for a safe, quiet and peaceful goodnight's sleep?