How and why does a dentist treat snoring?
Snoring is often a symptom of a serious condition called sleep apnea in which the patient momentarily stops breathing while asleep. There are two types of sleep apnea, and one type is caused by a disorder of the central nervous system. The other type, obstructive sleep apnea, is far more common and is caused by something blocking the airway. In some cases, for example, the patient’s tongue flops backward and blocks the airway.
A dentist in Chicago, Il, can treat obstructive sleep apnea by ordering a custom-made dental appliance, which looks like a mouthguard. The mouthguard helps keep the patient’s airway clear. Before even visiting a dentist, patients can take an online questionnaire called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to determine the likelihood of their having sleep apnea.
What does preventive dentistry involve?
Preventive dentistry describes many of the services that people think of as being part of a typical visit to the dentist. They also describe services intended to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease or at least keep them from getting worse.
Most people have to visit their dentist every six months. During that visit, the dentist will provide such preventive services as a thorough examination followed by an equally thorough cleaning. Once a year, the dentist will order X-rays to check for problems that might be developing below the gum line.
The dentist will also provide advice on how the patient can take better care of their teeth. They may, for example, discuss the importance of a healthy diet with the patient. Bacteria on the teeth can convert sugar into acids that erode enamel and cause tooth decay, so a diet high in sugar increases the chances of developing cavities.
Contact Chicago Smile Design to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Chicago, Il, or visit the website.
