It’s October – the season of haunted houses, spooky sounds, and things that go bump in the night. But if the loudest and scariest sound in your house is your own snoring, it might be time to face a very real fear: sleep apnea.

Sleep-disordered breathing isn’t just annoying for your partner. It could be a sign of a dangerous health condition. At Bell Dental Group, we offer help for your sleep disorder, including custom-made oral appliances that can help you breathe easier and sleep more soundly.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much and block your airway.

Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea. They may just think they snore loudly or wake up feeling tired. But left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and memory and mood issues.

Common Sleep Apnea Signs & Symptoms

Wondering if your “monster snoring” could be something more? Here are a few common symptoms of sleep apnea to watch for:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Irritability or depression
  • Trouble staying awake while driving

Don’t ignore these symptoms. Sleep apnea isn’t just about poor sleep. It’s a serious medical issue that can affect your entire body.

A CPAP Alternative: Custom Oral Appliances

CPAP machines (which use continuous positive airway pressure) are commonly prescribed for sleep apnea. While effective, many people struggle to use them consistently because of discomfort, noise, or inconvenience.

For many people, a custom oral appliance is an effective alternative to a CPAP. These mouthguard-like devices are worn at night to gently reposition your jaw and keep your airway open while you sleep. For many people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, they offer:

  • A comfortable, travel-friendly solution
  • Quieter nights (for you and your partner)
  • Improved sleep quality without a bulky mask or machine
  • The ability to use lower CPAP settings in more severe cases, making the CPAP more tolerable

At Bell Dental Group, we create these appliances just for you — based on your anatomy, bite, and sleep patterns. They’re not one-size-fits-all. Unlike generic devices from a store, ours are professionally fitted and adjusted for maximum effectiveness.

Advanced Training You Can Trust for Your Sleep Disorder

Not every dentist is trained in sleep medicine. That’s why we’re proud to share that one of our dentists is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and has completed specialized training with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. This advanced education means we’re uniquely equipped to diagnose and treat sleep-disordered breathing using evidence-based, non-invasive solutions.

If your snoring is waking the neighbors, or your body is sending signs it’s not getting the rest it needs, it’s time to take action. With help from Bell Dental Group, you can rest easier knowing there’s a safe, effective solution that fits your life.

Call 513-802-9440 to schedule a consultation in Cincinnati today. Get help for your sleep disorder. A good night’s sleep shouldn’t be scary. It should be silent, peaceful, and restorative.