What Really Causes Snoring, and How Can It be Treated?

Have you been told that you snore loudly while sleeping? If so, this could spell more than just an annoyance for the person resting next to you. It turns out that snoring can sometimes be an indicator of a serious underlying issue: obstructed sleep apnea (OSA). As you continue reading, your dentist in Arcadia, CA will provide some valuable information about the connection between OSA and snoring. Additionally, you’ll learn about some of the other peripheral contributors.

Some Typical Causes of Snoring

Snoring is the result of air being restricted as it attempts to pass through your throat, that causes a vibration. Here are some of the contributing factors:

• Sleep Position – If you tend to sleep on your back, it naturally narrows your airway as gravity causes your tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of your throat.
• Mouth Anatomy – You may have a narrow throat or large tonsils/adenoids that obstruct airflow. Excessive weight gain can also be a contributor to narrowing the airway.
• Sleep Deprivation – If you’re sleep deprived, your throat can become more relaxed than normal and cause snoring.
• Alcohol Consumption – Overindulgence in alcohol can cause the muscles in the throat to become flaccid during sleep to cause a partial or complete blockage.
• Nasal Congestion or a Deviated Septum – A structural defect in the nose may possibly prevent the natural flow of air during sleep and cause snoring.

The Connection Between OSA and Snoring

The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA is a sleep breathing disorder that results from partial or complete blockage of the airway during slumber. It causes interruptions in breathing (apnea) that can last up to 10 seconds. With each stoppage in breathing, the brain sends a signal that awakens the person, and this cycle can sometimes repeat hundreds of times throughout the night.

One of the traits associated with OSA is loud snoring. For people suffering from the condition, there is a greater chance of encountering life-threatening problems like hypertension, stroke, heart disease or diabetes. To make matters worse, any of the above peripheral conditions can increase the severity of the OSA symptoms.

Tackling OSA and Snoring

If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, a sleep apnea dentist in Arcadia, CA can treat it and your snoring. While a CPAP machine is usually used to treat the condition, 55% of patients are intolerant of this method. Thankfully, there is another way to get relief.

Most sleep dentists offer the alternative of a custom nightguard (also called a sleepguard). The appliance, which is made from acrylic, helps to keep the lower jaw positioned properly to prevent any blockages that could cause snoring and apnea.

By taking the initiative to have both problems addressed, you and your partner can rest better at night, and you can enjoy better overall health.

About the Author

A graduate of Northwestern Dental School, Dr. Kenneth J. Canzoneri is a well-rounded professional who remains eager to broaden his knowledge. Thus, he takes continuing education courses to ensure that he can provide the absolute best in care. Dr. Canzoneri helps his patients rest better and stop snoring at night by treating OSA at his private practice. He can be reached for more information through his website.