We may snore for a number of reasons, but sometimes the cause could be related to a very serious sleep disorder. But does chronic snoring always mean obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? When should we contact our Greenville, TX, dentist for treatment? In today’s blog, we’re looking at the link between OSA and your snores.
The Causes of Your Snore
Why do we sometimes snore at night? The sound occurs when soft tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth vibrate as air is forced past them. The vibrations are made possible due to the partial collapse of soft tissues, which block parts of your air passages, causing air forced through to vibrate them and create a loud sound. Causes could be linked to excessive alcohol consumption, resting on your back, large neck circumference, deviated septum, or sinus or allergy concerns. As part of your treatment, we will identify the factors behind your snores and create a custom treatment plan. Making a diagnosis with accuracy and precision is possible with our sleep assessment and our home test!
The Potential Sleep Apnea Link
With OSA, your air passages are blocked completely. This means that snoring is a symptom, and that as you rest at night you stop breathing completely for brief periods unto the brain weakens you. While you may not remember every instance, this could happen hundreds of times each night and leave you deprived of the rest you need to stay alert and functional during the day. Along with snoring, you could also experience episodes of waking in the night choking or gasping for breath, dry mouth in the morning, and headaches, drowsiness, and moodiness during the waking hours.
Better Resting Habits
We have treatment options to address OSA, but you could also help with better habits, such as:
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same times daily
- Keep your bedroom dark and cool
- Avoids screens right before bed
- Rest on your side, not your back
In addition, in the two hours before laying down, avoid large meals, vigorous exercise, or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, as well as consuming any caffeinated beverages.
Possible Treatment with an Appliance
With a custom-made and custom-fitted sleep appliance, you wear a device that fits like a mouthguard as you rest. The device then moves your jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. Your snores stop, and your sleep without obstruction throughout the night. If you have any questions, give us a call!
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Offers Sleep Solutions
At Smith Family Dentistry, we know how to diagnose and treat issues that keep you up at night. To learn more about our treatments for common disorders, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.