Ways Your Oral Surgeon Can Improve Your Oral Health When You Snore
Posted on 12/2/2024 by New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery |
 Do you wake up feeling tired, even after a full night's sleep? Do you often feel irritable or have difficulty concentrating during the day? If so, you may be one of the millions of people who snore. While snoring may seem like a harmless annoyance, it can actually be a sign of a more serious health condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and block your airway during sleep. This can cause you to stop breathing for short periods of time, which can lead to a number of health problems, including:
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High blood pressure |
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Heart disease |
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Stroke |
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Diabetes |
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Depression |
If you think you may have OSA, it's important to see a doctor to get diagnosed and treated. But did you know that an oral surgeon can also play a role in improving your oral health if you snore?
How an Oral Surgeon Can Help
Oral surgeons are experts in the anatomy and function of the mouth, jaw, and face. They can help identify and treat a variety of conditions that can contribute to snoring, including:
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Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: These are two small, soft tissues located in the back of the throat. When they become enlarged, they can block the airway and cause snoring. |
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Deviated septum: This is a condition in which the wall between the two nostrils is crooked. A deviated septum can make it difficult to breathe through your nose, which can lead to snoring. |
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Excess tissue in the soft palate or uvula: The soft palate is the soft tissue at the back of the roof of your mouth, and the uvula is the small, hanging tissue that hangs down from the middle of the soft palate. Excess tissue in these areas can vibrate and cause snoring. |
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Missing teeth: Missing teeth can change the shape of your mouth and make it more difficult to breathe properly, which can lead to snoring. |
In addition to treating these conditions, oral surgeons can also perform a number of procedures to help improve your oral health if you snore, including:
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Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure involves removing excess tissue from the soft palate and uvula. |
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Mandibular advancement surgery: This procedure involves moving the lower jaw forward, which can help open up the airway. |
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Genioglossus advancement: This procedure involves moving the tongue forward, which can also help open up the airway. |
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Palatal implants: These are small implants that are placed in the soft palate to help stiffen it and prevent it from vibrating. |
Restorative Dentistry for a Healthier Smile
In addition to addressing sleep apnea, oral surgeons are also experts in restorative dentistry. This means they can help restore your smile if you have missing teeth, damaged teeth, or other dental problems. A healthy smile is important not only for your appearance but also for your overall health. When you have a healthy smile, you are more likely to eat a healthy diet, which can improve your overall health and well-being.
Talk to Your Oral Surgeon Today
If you snore, it's important to talk to your doctor to get diagnosed and treated for OSA. But you should also talk to your oral surgeon. They can help identify and treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your snoring, and they can also perform a number of procedures to help improve your oral health.
With the help of your oral surgeon, you can get a good night's sleep and improve your overall health and well-being.
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