Our Location:
City of Lights Dental
Aurora Dental Arts Building
1940 West Galena Boulevard Suite 11
Aurora, IL 60506
630-892-7087
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (68)
- braces (6)
- root canal (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- medication (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- tooth decay (9)
- oral health (18)
- oral hygiene (23)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (5)
- fillings (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- smile makeover (2)
- gum disease (9)
- bridge (2)
- teeth whitening (4)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- dental implants (12)
- crowns (4)
- toothpaste (1)
- bad breath (3)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- facial pain (1)
- pediatric dentistry (18)
- age one dental visit (1)
- anchorage devices (1)
- bonding (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (9)
- tooth staining (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- mouthguards (3)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- missing teeth (3)
- teeth grinding (4)
- chipped teeth (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- veneers (2)
- cancer (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dental implant bridge (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- shingles (1)
- bruxism (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- laser dentistry (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- retainers (2)
- gummy smile (1)
- extractions (1)
- bone grafting (2)
- tooth pain (1)
- bridgework (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- retainer (2)
- dental cleanings (1)
- sealants (2)
- smoking (2)
- root planing (1)
- medicine (2)
- ulcers (1)
- canker sores (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- root resorption (1)
- gerd (1)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- loose tooth (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- dental implant (3)
- fluoride (1)
- vaping (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- toothache (2)
- mouth sore (1)
- dental care (1)
- dental injuries (1)

If your sleeping partner snores, it could be more than an annoyance: it could be a sign of sleep apnea. This occurs when air flow into the lungs becomes obstructed in the throat for a few seconds during sleep. The obstruction can take many forms, but a common one arises from the tongue relaxing against the back of the throat, producing snoring sounds as air attempts to pass through this restricted area.
Sleep apnea can cause severe problems: lower daily energy levels and mood from poor sleep; lower oxygen saturation that could affect brain function; and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. So, if you’re awakened by your partner’s snoring (or they’re complaining about yours!), it’s important to have it checked and treated.
This begins with a visit to us for a complete oral examination. Like many dentists, we’re well trained in the anatomy and structures of the mouth, as well as the causes and treatment of sleep apnea. We’ll examine your mouth, take into account any possible symptoms you’re experiencing and, if your suspicions are correct, refer you to a sleep physician to diagnose if you have sleep apnea.
Treatment will depend on its cause and severity. An oral appliance worn during sleep is the recommended first treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea that involves the tongue as an obstruction. We develop a custom appliance that helps move your tongue away from the back of the throat, reducing both apnea and snoring sounds. For more advanced sleep apnea you could benefit from a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This device generates continuous air pressure through a mask worn while sleeping that helps keep the airway open.
Of course, there are other causes for obstruction, some of which may require surgical intervention to relieve the problem. Abnormally large tonsils, adenoids or excessive soft tissue can all restrict air flow. Surgically removing or altering these structures could help reduce airway restriction.
Whatever type or degree of sleep apnea you or your partner may have, there are solutions. The right treatment will not only improve overall health, it will help both of you get a better night’s sleep.
If you would like more information on sleep apnea and how to treat it, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “If You Snore, You Must Read More!”