We all snore every now and then, that’s normal. However, if you do so every night, then this could be a possible cause for alarm. Your Pearland, TX, dentists can not only diagnose the causes of your snoring, but also uncover the appropriate treatment options to help you enjoy a better night’s sleep and avoid the complications of a common disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The Causes of Snoring
We could snore for a number of different reasons. The sound itself originates when soft tissues partially obstruct airflow as we sleep. As air is forced through our passages when we breathe this vibrates these tissues and creates a loud noise. Sleeping on you back instead of your side could promote snoring, as could consuming alcohol before bed, suffering from sinus or allergy issues, or having a deviated septum.
Could Nightly Snores Mean Sleep Apnea?
Another cause could be sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, each night during sleep the soft tissues in the throat and the rear of the mouth become too relaxed and actually collapse as we rest. This blocks airflow and we literally stop breathing briefly until the brain wakes us. People rarely remember being woken up and the process can repeat hundreds of times in severe cases. People don’t reach the deep, uninterrupted REM stage of sleep, and despite thinking they rested the night before, they actually feel exhausted and sleep deprived. Aside from snoring, warning signs could include frequent daytime drowsiness, waking up choking or gasping for air, headache and dry mouth, irritability, and difficulty concentrating or staying awake behind the wheel. If you begin to experience these warning signs, then please let us know right away!
Possible Treatment Options with Personalized Appliances
If you experience these potential warning signs, then please let us now right away. We can send you home with a small device that will record apneic episodes as you sleep, letting us know if you require treatment. If so, that doesn’t mean you will need the noisy and cumbersome CPAP machine. Instead, we could take detailed impressions and measurements of your smile to create a personalized device that fits like a mouthguard. The oral appliance will actually reposition the jaw to keep airways open throughout the night, preventing obstruction and letting you gain the deep rest you need to feel alert and happy during the day. If you have any questions about addressing snoring and sleep apnea, or if you would like to schedule a consultation for more details, then contact our team today.
Ready for an Appointment?
Make 2020 the year you enjoy a better night’s rest. To learn more about our potential sleep solutions, then call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
