How to Stop Snoring
Ask Our Sleep Apnea Dentists in Brimfield, IL
Everybody snores sometimes
An estimated 50% of adults snore regularly. At best, loud snoring can negatively affect the sleep of your partner and family members. At worst, snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Where do you fall on that spectrum? Let’s find out.
Our dentists help people in Brimfield stop snoring and start sleeping better. Book an appointment today to talk to our sleep apnea dentists.
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when your tongue and other tissues in the back of your throat relax after you fall asleep. As your airway narrows and airflow speed increases, your relaxed tissues begin to vibrate. This vibration creates the snorting or rattling sounds we call snoring.
6 reasons why you might be snoring
- Sleeping on your back
- Taking a muscle relaxant
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Suffering from a cold or congestion
- Crowded teeth or misaligned jaw
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Does snoring mean you have sleep apnea?
Not all people who snore have obstructive sleep apnea, but snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
To evaluate your risk of sleep apnea, keep an eye out for snoring accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Breathing that pauses during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating
- Severe morning headaches
- Sore throat upon awakening
- Gasping or choking at night
- Chest pain at night
Note: Over 20 million people in the US have sleep apnea but 80% have no idea! If you notice any of the symptoms above, we recommend talking to a sleep specialist.
Hear from our patients
The atmosphere in the office is warm and welcoming. The doctor and staff genuinely care about you as an individual as well as the health of your teeth and gums.
– Ruth L.
Your teeth may be causing you to snore!
Watch out for these symptoms signaling that your snoring may be related to your oral health:
- Sore or painful jaw — If you wake up with a sore jaw, it could be a sign that your snoring is the result of improper jaw positioning or posture.
- Broken teeth or swollen gums — If your teeth show signs of wear and tear or if you’re experiencing swollen or sensitive gums, this could be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth at night, which may be at the root of your snoring.
How to stop snoring
Lifestyle Changes
The right steps to prevent snoring vary depending on the exact cause. However, there are changes you can make starting today to improve your oral health and limit your risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
- Avoiding alcohol before bed
- Exercising and eating a balanced diet
- Sleeping on your side
- Drinking lots of water
- Raising your pillow
Over-the-counter Tricks
- Nasal strips
- Vicks VapoRub
- Humidifiers
While at-home treatments may help stifle some kinds of snoring in some people, they are not a permanent fix. If you want a long-lasting solution, seek professional treatment instead.
Medical Treatments
In addition to lifestyle changes, we recommend meeting with your dentist to evaluate your situation. There are a variety of treatments that we may recommend depending on the cause of your snoring:
- An oral appliance to keep your airway open and reduce clenching and grinding (offered here in our office!)
- Wisdom teeth removal or upper airway surgery
- Meeting with a sleep specialist to evaluate your candidacy for a Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine
Have more questions about snoring?
Talk to our dentists! We’d love to hear from you and help you understand the connection between your dental health and your quality of sleep. Or book online now to get a custom-made oral appliance.
Hours
Monday: 7am–3pm
Tuesday: 7am–3pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–3pm
Thursday: 7am–3pm
Friday: 7am–3pm