If you have issues with snoring, this could be a problem for both you and your significant other, and lead to issues with feeling alert and rested during the day. But why do some of us snore so frequently, and how do we stop? In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist looks at common causes, and discusses a few possible solutions.
The Causes of Snoring
What causes the loud sound to happen in the first place? The answer lies in your airways. For some, soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat could become too relaxed as you sleep. They then collapse and partially cut off airflow. As we breathe and force air through these passages, this vibrates soft tissues and a loud sound erupts. Factors behind snoring include excessive alcohol consumption, resting on your back instead of your side, a large neck circumference, deviated septum, or sinus and allergy issues. However, this could also be an indicator of a serious disorder too!
A Persistent Problem Due to Sleep Apnea
With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the air passages become blocked completely. You actually stop breathing for a brief moment, until the brain wakes you. But even if this fails to wake you up, this interrupts your sleep cycle. After enough time, this leads to poor rest and daytime drowsiness. Over time, this could also strain your immune system to lead to more frequent sickness. The cardiovascular system could become strained too, which means a higher likelihood of heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke and heart attack.
Possible Solutions
To ease snoring, we could suggest maintaining a good sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side. However, if the issues is related to sleep apnea or chronic, then we may take detailed impressions and images with digital technology, designing and crafting a device that looks and fits like a mouthguard. The device is worn as you sleep, and helps keep airways open and free, so you breathe without interruption and enjoy better rest. This protects your long-term health, and helps you gain the rest you need in the short-term. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treaty issues like snoring and OSA, then please contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Wants to Stop Your Snore
At Smith Family Dentistry, our team wants to make sure you (and your significant other) enjoy a better night’s rest, and can do that with an accurate diagnosis and the use of a custom-made sleep appliance. To learn more about our custom treatment options and finally obtain the good night’s rest you need, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.