Snoring is the hoarse noise that comes out of your throat when air flows past relaxed tissues, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Snoring can be due to a variety of factors. Treatment options for snoring Georgetown include lifestyle changes, like weight loss and avoiding alcohol, and using devices such as nasal sprays and mandibular advancement splints. The following are the risk factors of snoring.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a health problem in which your breathing keeps stopping and starting again during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to minutes and occur 30 or more times per hour. Snoring is a signature symptom of sleep apnea, as the airway becomes partially blocked, causing the vibration of the soft tissues in the back of your throat. This blockage can lead to loud snoring, choking or gasping sounds, and restless tossing and turning at night.

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion, locally known as a stuffy nose, is a condition in which your nasal passages become inflamed and blocked, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. It can occur due to various factors such as allergies, colds, sinus infections, or structural issues with the nose. Nasal congestion can act as a risk factor for snoring as it causes you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. This kind of breathing can result in the soft tissues in your throat collapsing, which can cause vibrations and the sound of snoring.

Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation can cause the muscles in your throat and airway to relax, leading to a narrowed or blocked airway. Narrowed airways can cause increased vibration in your throat, resulting in snoring. Sleep deprivation can also cause an increase in the production of certain hormones that can further relax the muscles in the airway, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, lack of sleep may also cause you to sleep in positions that can increase the likelihood of snoring, such as sleeping on your back.

How your dentist can address snoring

RR Dentistry specialists can address snoring in several ways. One approach is using oral appliances, such as a mandibular advancement device (MAD). These devices work by repositioning your jaw and tongue to ensure the airway opens during sleep, which can help to reduce or eliminate snoring. Another approach is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines deliver a steady stream of air to the patient through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, which can help to keep the airway open, reducing snoring. Your provider may also recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side to reduce snoring. Also, you may need to avoid sleeping pills and sedatives since they tend to relax the muscles of the airway and increase the risk of snoring.

In some cases, your dentist may connect you with an ear, nose, and throat professional or a sleep specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Diagnosis may include a sleep study to identify the underlying cause of snoring and determine the most appropriate treatment. Call the RR Dentistry office or schedule an appointment online for more information about snoring.