What is Snoring?
While snoring is often the subject of family jokes, it’s important to recognize that it can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It occurs when airflow through the nose or mouth is partially obstructed, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate.
The Dangers of Snoring
Snoring is not just noise; it’s a potential warning sign of a blocked airway. For some, these blockages can lead to apneic episodes, during which breathing stops entirely for several seconds. Individuals with OSA may experience hundreds of these episodes each night, often without realizing it.
If this symptom is accompanied by any of the following, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive evaluation:
- High blood pressure
- Sore throat upon waking
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- Chest pain at night
- In children, poor attention span, behavioral issues, or poor school performance
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
- Sore throat upon waking
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- Chest pain at night
- In children, poor attention span, behavioral issues, or poor school performance
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
Snoring can affect individuals of all ages, including children. While most of our patients are between 35 and 60, we also treat children who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea through a sleep study.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring is caused by the vibration of relaxed throat tissues during sleep when airflow becomes obstructed. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Anatomical Factors: A long soft palate or uvula can narrow the airway.
- Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction.
- Nasal Obstructions: Conditions such as a deviated septum or chronic sinus issues can block airflow.
- Alcohol or Sedative Use: These relax the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues: Jaw tension can contribute to airway restrictions.
- Poor Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can worsen breathing issues.
- Insufficient Sleep: Poor sleep hygiene can exacerbate the problem.
While some cases are mild, others are indicative of Grade Three, which is loud, nightly, and often accompanied by sleep apnea.
Types of Snoring
Snoring can vary in severity and frequency, and it’s classified into three main grades:
- Grade One (Simple ): Occasional and mild that doesn’t significantly impact sleep quality.
- Grade Two: Occurs more than three nights per week and may affect the individual’s energy and focus during the day.
- Grade Three: Loud, nightly snoring often accompanied by sleep apnea.
If you’re unsure of the severity, our team can help determine whether it requires treatment and, if so, recommend the best approach.
“I can’t tolerate a cpap and Advanced Dental is a terrific solution. I have been a patient here for over 20 years. Always helpful and friendly. I have referred many of my family and friends.”
– C. WEIGHT
“Having struggled with sleep apnea for years, I finally decided to do something about it… ADSTC was awesome to work with and I highly recommend you reach out to them to help with alternatives to C-PAP.”
– K. BROWN
“I would highly recommend this office if you are having a lot of issues with your sleep patterns. Thank you to the staff at Advanced Sleep.”
– S. KLING
Non-Invasive Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
At Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center, we prioritize non-invasive solutions to address snoring and sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) has revolutionized snoring and sleep apnea treatment. These custom-designed devices are worn during sleep and work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy:
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Quiet operation
- No need for electricity or bulky equipment
- Customized fit for maximum effectiveness
Oral appliances are a patient-friendly alternative to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, which many patients find difficult to tolerate. With OAT, you can enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep without the noise, mask, or hose associated with CPAP.
Why Treat Snoring?
Ignoring snoring can have serious consequences, both for the snorer and their family. Untreated snoring can lead to:
- Health Risks: Increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Daytime Fatigue: Poor-quality sleep can leave you feeling drained and unable to concentrate.
- Relationship Strain: Loud snoring often disrupts the sleep of loved ones, leading to tension and frustration.
By addressing snoring, you will improve your own health and create a better sleep environment for those around you.
Contact Our Omaha Sleep Apnea and Snoring Team
If snoring is disrupting your life—or the life of a loved one—don’t wait to seek help. At Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center, our Omaha sleep dentists provide effective, non-invasive solutions to help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Call us at (402) 493-4175 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We are currently offering a complimentary sleep apnea consultation by phone, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us help you and your family experience the benefits of better sleep.
