Causes of Snoring and Treatment Options

Everyone snores from time to time, but if it has turned into an ongoing problem, there may be a serious underlying medical condition causing it. Snoring is often a common sign of a disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. It causes several pauses in breathing while sleeping because of an obstruction in the airway. Your dentist can help determine if you have sleep apnea to create an effective snoring treatment in The Woodlands. You can breathe easier and sleep soundly with an oral appliance.

What Causes Snoring?

Everyone snores occasionally, like when the nasal passages are blocked from battling a cold. The sound you hear is caused by the throat relaxing, which makes a vibrating sound as air passes through it. It’s a common occurrence for people who consume alcohol, are overweight, or have enlarged tonsils.

Snoring and sleep apnea often go hand-in-hand because both issues result when the tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapse to block the airway. As air passes through the narrowing tissues, it causes snoring. If the airway narrows enough, it can prevent air from passing through, resulting in pauses in breathing. This can occur hundreds of times per night with each even lasting potentially longer than one minute.

While it may not seem concerning, there are serious complications associated with sleep apnea other than loud snoring that can keep your spouse awake. The lack of adequate oxygen flow places a strain on your body, increasing your risk of medical issues, like heart disease. It can also significantly impact your overall quality of life. Thankfully, your dentist has the solutions you need to stop snoring in The Woodlands.

How Can I Treat Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

Traditionally, sleep apnea is treated using a CPAP machine, which delivers a steady stream of air from a mask that’s connected to a machine. Although it’s effective, it can be quite bothersome. As an alternative, many patients are turning to an oral appliance.

An oral appliance has been found effective for treating chronic snoring and mild-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea. The custom-fit device repositions your lower jaw forward to prevent your soft tissues and tongue from blocking the airway to stop snoring or pauses in breathing.

How Can I Get the Rest I Need?

If you’re ready to stop your snoring, you may need to undergo a sleep study to ensure you don’t have sleep apnea. Based on the results of the study, your dentist can create the customized oral appliance you need to sleep soundly. Don’t wait to get the restful night’s sleep you deserve.

About Dr. Robert Dernick

Dr. Robert Dernick has had a lifelong passion for dentistry. He strives to provide his patients with state-of-the-art services to achieve healthy smiles while improving their quality of life. Besides general dentistry, he is also qualified to treat snoring and sleep apnea with an oral appliance. If you’re dealing with chronic snoring, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.