Snoring

If you are on this page, someone has probably told you that you snore- or you have a partner or family member that does. You may be wondering what your next step is. You may have heard the commercials or advertisements for snore-reducing devices.

While snoring is a common problem for many people, it can also be a sign of other major health complications. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping, which not only affects the quality of sleep of the person snoring, but also the quality of sleep of their loved ones and other family members. Luckily, there is a way to treat chronic snoring.

What causes snoring?

Snoring is more than just a sound that occurs during sleep. It is a medical disease and can be the result of several factors. Typically, snoring is caused by the relaxing of the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth, making the air passage smaller. The decrease in space through the airway makes it harder for each breath to get through, and when it does get through, it moves over the soft tissues in the mouth and throat and causes a vibration that results in the snoring sound. It can also be an indication of decrease air and oxygen getting through the airway. Snoring has been associated with sleep deprivation, daytime drowsiness, irritability, heart attacks and strokes.

How is snoring diagnosed?

Snoring is diagnosed with a sleep study. Your physician or dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist to have an evaluation and the sleep study.  Our team at Callahan Dental can answer any questions you have and assist you through the process.