Are you a snorer? Or maybe it’s your partner who saw wood all night? Depending on what’s causing that nocturnal noise, there may be more at risk than a good night’s sleep.

Sometimes snoring is really a sign of sleep apnea, which means a patient actually stops breathing periodically while sleeping. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that decreases the body’s oxygen intake and can carry the risk of a shortened lifespan. It’s important to get the right diagnosis and not be fooled by over the counter cure that are not regulated for individual needs, as they might actually do more harm than good.

The good news is that a properly trained dentist can often help.

First, it’s important to determine the cause of the snoring. At Fuqua Advanced Dental, we offer special diagnostic equipment that can monitor a patient’s breathing and determine if a snoring problem is caused by sleep apnea. Once a diagnosis has been reached, there are several options, including a fully oxygen mask called a C-Pap that a patient wears overnight. This medical device has some advantages, but it’s cumbersome and difficult to transport, which makes it a poor choice for anyone who travels. Luckily, many patients can be helped in a much less dramatic and more convenient way, with a specially fitted oral appliance that is similar to an orthodontic retainer. Created by a dentist, this device helps maintain an open airway, thereby allowing oxygen to flow more freely all night long.

If you or someone you know is guilty of snoring, there may be more to it than meets the ear. Take the time to find out if there’s really an underlying health risk. A relatively simple solution could provide everyone with a better night’s sleep.