Snoring & Sleep Apnea Houston, TX
One might not think of visiting the dentist for snoring or sleep apnea treatment. Dentistry, though, isn’t limited to the cleaning and care of teeth. Dr. Bimal Mehta has completed advanced post graduate training to handle complex dental issues including TMJ Dysfunction (TMD) and dental sleep medicine. Using oral appliances, he is able to treat sleep related breathing disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea.
About Dental Sleep Medicine
Dental sleep medicine centers on treating sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy.
An oral appliance is a removable device, also known as a snore guard, mouth guard or night guard. Oral appliance therapy is the first line treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Studies show that patients who have been successfully treated for sleep apnea with both the CPAP and a dental appliance preferred the dental appliance as their long term option.
What is a Snore Guard?
A snore guard, also called a snoring mouthpiece, is designed to keep the airways open during sleep. A snore guard is similar to a sports mouth guard and helps to keep the jaws in proper alignment and the tongue and soft tissue in their proper place to prevent them from blocking the airway.
About Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is characterized on TV and in movies as a hilarious condition. In reality, snoring is an extremely complex condition, affecting millions of Americans. Both the snorer and their partner have a diminished quality of sleep. In addition, studies have linked snoring to major health problems including sleep apnea.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, an estimated 50% of people who snore loudly have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the sleep-related breathing disorder. Patients who suffer with OSA stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, caused by a blockage of the airway usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the mouth collapses. OSA is strongly linked to obesity.
Schedule a Consultation
Learn more about snoring and sleep apnea treatment available through Houston dentist Bimal Mehta, DDS. Contact our dentist office located in the Houston Galleria or schedule an appointment online.