While snoring is commonly thought of as a normal part of sleep, chronic and loud snoring may be indicative of larger health issues. Sleep apnea is a culprit in severe snoring and it can be detrimental to your overall well-being.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring can be caused by a range of factors, including the anatomy of your head and neck. A deviated septum increases the chances of snoring, as does the presence of polyps in nasal passages. Further, having a small jaw or an enlarged tongue and tonsils can contribute. In cases where snoring is particularly loud and disruptive, sleep apnea is frequently the cause.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a blockage that occurs in your airways. This is caused when the muscles in the back of your throat relax to the point of cutting off airflow, leading to a brief stoppage in breathing. When this happens, your brain snaps awake and you gasp for breath, interrupting your sleep. This cycle of falling asleep and waking up often occurs hundreds of times throughout the night. This wreaks havoc on your sleep, causing excessive tiredness and other health issues.
How We Can Treat It
Regardless of the root cause, there are several solutions that can help minimize your snoring. One of the most well-known devices for sleep apnea is a CPAP. Many patients find these difficult to sleep with and clean, as well as disruptive to their partners’ sleep from noise. An easier and just as effective treatment is a custom fitted oral sleep appliance. It is similar to a mouth guard and keeps your lower jaw positioned forward, which keeps your airway open while sleeping.
Dr. Peter Ruggiero will work with you closely to determine the root of your snoring problems, and he will help you find the best possible solution.
Learn More About Our Sleep Apnea Solutions
If you have questions about our solutions for snoring and sleep apnea, please call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108. We also happily welcome patients who live in Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and all nearby communities.
