Many adults snore, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a side effect of aging. Snoring, at its most basic, is the vibration of the soft tissues in your throat. However, the causes of this disruptive sleep problem are usually a little more complex — and loud, chronic snoring may require treatment. Did you know your dentist in Ormond Beach can provide snoring treatment? Or that snoring is linked to sleep apnea, a dangerous sleep breathing disorder? Keep reading to learn more about snoring and how we can help you sleep soundly throughout the night once again.
Health Problems and Medication
One of the most common causes of snoring is being overweight or obese. Having extra weight can cause the throat tissues to be bulky or put pressure on the throat at night, causing it to become partially or fully constricted. Snoring will occur as a result.
People who take certain medications for anxiety, insomnia, or depression may be more likely to snore as well. Having stopped up sinuses or allergies can also cause a person to have difficulty drawing smooth breath during sleep. In children, snoring can occur as a result of being overweight or having swollen tonsils, among other reasons.
Lifestyle Choices
Snoring can also indicate a poor quality of sleep caused by heavy alcohol or tobacco consumption, especially when combined. If you drink or smoke before bedtime, the effect is even worse. Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption is important for your oral and overall health as these habits also greatly increase your risk for oral cancer and a number of other serious conditions. Talk to your dentist or doctor if you are ready to quit smoking or drinking and have attempted unsuccessfully in the past or are unsure where to begin.
Anatomy
Certain factors that are out of your control can also affect whether or not you are likely to snore. People who have a deviated septum, narrow airways, or larger soft tissues are often snorers. Poor muscle tone of the tongue can also be a significant factor in snoring.
Snoring Solutions
You’re ready to stop snoring — we know that much is true. Did you know a qualified dentist can help? Visit our office to discuss our stop snoring solutions with an oral appliance. Worn as you sleep, it repositions your oral tissues to prevent their collapse and allow you to sleep without interruption!
In addition to professional treatment for snoring, consider making these lifestyle changes as needed to improve your health and reduce your risk of experiencing this chronic problem:
- Weight loss strategies if overweight or obese
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Reducing alcohol consumption, especially before bed
- Quitting tobacco use
- Adopting vigorous exercise
Talk to your sleep dentist about adding these to your lifestyle practices. We can’t wait to help you regain a restful night’s sleep!
Meet the Practice
At Brown & Nawrocki Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, our doctors provide the ultimate in comprehensive dental care — including snoring and sleep apnea therapy — from the comfort of a state-of-the-art office. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for sleep apnea treatment in Ormond Beach, you are invited to contact the office at 386-677-1046.