Problems We Treat: Snoring Treatment Coeur d’Alene

Snoring happens.

It’s estimated that 50% of adults snore on a regular basis. Many of us have experienced firsthand that loud snoring can negatively affect sleep. Snoring can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our sleep apnea CDA dentists help people in Coeur d’Alene stop snoring and start sleeping better.

What causes snoring?

When your tongue and other tissues in the back of your throat relax after you fall asleep, snoring happens. As airflow speed increases and your airway narrows, the relaxed tissues begin to vibrate, creating the snorting or rattling sounds we know as snoring.

You might snore if you…

1. Have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
2. Sleep on your back
3. Have a cold or are congested
4. Take a muscle relaxant
5. Drink too much alcohol
6. Have crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw

If you snore, does that mean you have sleep apnea?

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but just because someone snores doesn’t mean they have sleep apnea.

If you think you have sleep apnea, your snoring will be accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Choking or gasping at night
• Pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Chest pain at night
• Sore throat when you awaken
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Daytime sleepiness
• Severe morning headaches

Note: In the United States, 80% of those with sleep apnea don’t know they have it! If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s best to consult with a sleep specialist.

Did you know your teeth may be causing you to snore?

Snoring may be related to your oral health in the following ways:

• Painful or sore jaw – Your snoring may be caused by improper jaw positioning or posture, evidenced when you wake up with a sore jaw.
• Swollen gums or broken teeth – If you’re experiencing swollen or sensitive gums or if your teeth show signs of wear and tear, you may be grinding your teeth at night, which may be the cause of your snoring.

How do you stop snoring in Coeur d’Alene?

Changes in Lifestyle

You can make lifestyle changes to improve your oral health and limit your risk of snoring and sleep apnea by:

• Raising your pillow to elevate your head
• Exercising and eating a balanced diet as weight gain can cause snoring
• Sleeping on your side instead of your back
• Drinking lots of water which hydrates your nasal passages
• Avoiding alcohol before bed as alcohol can relax the muscles causing snoring

Over-the-Counter Options

While these are not a permanent fix, they can help alleviate some of the symptoms of sleep apnea.

• Humidifiers – these moisturize the air, hydrating nasal passages
• Vicks VapoRub – when rubbed on your chest, this can help open nasal passages
• Nasal strips – these are nasal dilators that help improve airflow through the nose

Medical Treatments

Along with lifestyle changes, we advise meeting with us to evaluate your unique situation. There are various Snoring treatments in Coeur d’Alene we can recommend depending on the cause of your snoring such as:

• An oral appliance which will help keep your airway open and reduce grinding and clenching of your teeth
• Removal of wisdom teeth or upper airway surgery
• Referral to a sleep specialist who may suggest a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine

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