A “Snore-Fire” Way to Hurt Your Relationship

I have heard it all in my ten years of treating patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. There is a wide variety of sleep sounds that range from calm to scary. However, that snoring can indicate a real behind-the-scenes problem.

Snoring Problems by the Numbers

I’m a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the sole non-profit, national association dedicated to the practice of dental sleep medicine. We have recently conducted a survey that reveals what may be causing relationship troubles. The following are a couple of statistics from the report:

• 40% of women claimed snoring in the opposite sex is a turn-off.
• More than 25% confessed that a snoring bed partner makes them angry or annoyed.
• One in five people stated a snoring partner could drive them out of bed.
• One in ten Americans admitted that snoring had hurt at least one romantic relationship.

Snoring can hurt more than just your love life. It can also negatively affect your health. Snoring can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea, a disease that can increase your risk of potential health problems. When sleep apnea is left untreated, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, impotence, depression, heart disease, and congestive heart failure.

Surprising Solutions

A CPAP machine is often used to treat sleep apnea. The machine consists of long tubing and a motor and requires you to wear a face mask while sleeping. However, as an experienced dentist in dental sleep medicine, I provide my patients with an effective alternative to CPAP. I provide patients with an oral appliance, which is a custom-made device similar to a retainer. Patients will wear the appliance when they sleep to help prevent snoring and sleep apnea.

Oral appliances are more discrete and comfortable compared to the CPAP machine. Studies have shown that adults are twice as likely to prefer an oral appliance over the CPAP machine. Oral appliances are portable, easy to clean, and noise-free!

I have treated several couples who told me the oral appliance therapy saved their relationship by eliminating the snoring. The treatment improved their sleep, energy levels, and health. If you or your loved one is suffering from a snoring problem, please contact us! Schedule an appointment with our dentist by calling 1-204-744-2521 or online at https://poloparkdental.ca/contact/.