Snoring
Snoring is a common problem and can affect men and women of all ages. Snoring is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the airway. The disruption of airflow causes the soft palate and tissues of the throat to vibrate. The narrower the airway becomes, the louder the snoring.
Snoring can often be treated by wearing a snore guard that maintains an open, unobstructed airway in the throat while you sleep.
Some common causes of snoring include:
- Inflammation of the tissues in the mouth nose or throat (including tonsils)
- Blocked nasal passages (often caused by a cold or allergies)
- Lack of muscle tone (due to aging or poor fitness levels)
- Obesity causing the airway to narrow due to fat
- Medicines that cause relaxation
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a patient experiences one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. The sleep disruption caused by sleep apnea can negatively impact your quality of sleep, leaving you tired and irritable. Mild sleep apnea can often be treated with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, positional therapy, or with the addition of a custom removable Oral Appliance that adjusts the position of the lower jaw and tongue to minimize airway obstruction, maintaining an open airway while you sleep.
For moderate to severe sleep apnea, a breathing device called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or surgery to widen the breathing passages by shrinking, stiffening, or removing excess tissue in the mouth and throat or resetting the lower jaw may be helpful. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose and gently blows air into your throat. This air pressure helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Surgery to shrink the tissue involves a small shot into the breathing passages. Surgery to stiffen excess tissue requires a small incision in the tissue and the insertion of a piece of stiff plastic.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Dry mouth
- Lack of focus
- Waking up gasping for air
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Increased Irritability
- Frequent morning headaches
- Snoring or stop breathing while you sleep
