Medfield, MA -- (SBWire) -- 01/29/2016 --Snoring has an effect on 30% of people in America. Second-hand snoring, which means being kept awake or even having an individual's own rest disturbed by a snoring partner has an effect on approximately 73% of individuals that share a bed with someone who snores.

A solution accessible to those who snore and have sleep apnea is an oral appliance that Dr. Jennifer Lee offers. The oral appliance is comparable to an athletic mouthguard and is worn while sleeping. The appliance helps prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat.

Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing while asleep. Each pause, called an apnea, can last from at least 10 seconds to minutes and may occur five to 30 times or more per hour.

Dr. Jennifer Lee explains, "Although snoring seems physically harmless, it may be a red flag for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This happens when the air passage deflates, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the air passage seals. This airway blockage persists until the brain partly wakes up the person with a gasp for air and then the cycle starts again."

"Everyone knows about the ugly results of second-hand smoke, but have you seen the news about how bad second-hand snoring can be to you?" asks Dr. Lee. Research shows that bedmates of people who snore are losing just as much sleep as the snorer. Given that snorers can produce nearly 80 decibels of sound, a bed partners' noisy rumbles are detrimental to the snorer and the bedmate.

Recently the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) approved dental appliances as a first line of treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP mask. "Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the level of improvement with their snoring when assessed and treated correctly," states Dr. Lee.

About Dr. Lee
Dr. Lee seeks to bring the latest, state-of-the-art research and technology to her patients, ensuring that they receive unparalleled dental care, and deepens her knowledge through study clubs, workshops, and continuing education classes.

Call 508-359-8004 to make an appointment with Dr. Lee.