Loud snoring may be a sign that you have sleep apnea, a disorder that affects more than 18 million adults in the U.S., according to the National Sleep Foundation. Treating your sleep apnea symptoms will not only ensure you get a good night's sleep but also help you avoid several serious health problems.   St. Clair Shores dentist Dr. P. Steven Wainess offers a comfortable dental appliance that decreases snoring and prevents the breathing pauses that occur in sleep apnea.   Sleep apnea deprives your brain of oxygen People who have sleep apnea stop breathing hundreds of time during the night, with each pause lasting a few seconds. Although one or two breathing pauses may not be a significant issue, multiple pauses deprive your brain of oxygen. Over time, oxygen deprivation can increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, irregular heart rhythm, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. Snoring isn't the only sign   Loud snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, although it can also occur if you don't have a sleep-related breathing problem. In addition to snoring, you may notice a few of these signs and symptoms if you have sleep apnea: Choking or gasping for air during the night Daytime sleepiness Difficulty concentrating or remembering Weight gain Morning dry mouth Night sweats Irritability Morning headaches How is sleep apnea diagnosed? Sleep apnea is diagnosed during a sleep study. During the study, you'll be hooked up to a machine that monitors your breathing while you sleep. The machine also records your heart rate, brain wave activity, blood oxygen levels, and eye and body movements.   How is sleep apnea treated? Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, one of the most common sleep apnea treatments, prevent breathing pauses by forcing a continuous stream of air into your throat through a mask. Unfortunately, some people can't tolerate the machines and assume that there is no other solution.   An oral appliance provided by Dr. Wainess offers a simpler but just as effective option. The device is worn over your teeth and holds your lower jaw forward, preventing your tongue from falling into your airway. Your new oral appliance doesn't require uncomfortable masks and won't keep you or your partner awake due to the sound.   Take advantage of sleep apnea treatment offered. Call Dr. P. Steven Wainess at (586) 293-1515 to schedule an appointment.