Snoring Therapy
Snoring can be a difficult thing to overcome. Chronic snoring often leads to trouble sleeping, and breathing issues, among other things. Thankfully, at Elite Smiles Dental, we can treat most cases of snoring quickly and efficiently. Our specialized snoring treatment can help you enjoy a restful night’s sleep!
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring occurs when an airway is obstructed or blocked. A variety of issues can cause this, such as:
· Inflammation in the mouth, nose, or throat
· Low muscle tone
· Congestion
· Muscle relaxing medication
· Obesity
When your airway is blocked, your breath has to force its way out. This causes the tissues in your throat and soft palate to vibrate. Snoring becomes louder depending on how blocked your airway becomes.
Is Snoring Dangerous?
A blocked airway makes it difficult to breathe and sleep. Besides disturbing your partner, snoring often leads to restlessness and insomnia. Blocked airflow can also reduce the level of oxygen your body receives while you sleep.
In some cases, snoring has been linked to cardiovascular disease. Although it may seem harmless, the vibrations caused by snoring can lead to inflammation in your carotid artery. When left untreated, this can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases.
Snoring may also be an indication of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a person briefly stops breathing while they sleep. This is a serious condition linked to heart disease.
How is Snoring Treated?
Thankfully, snoring is generally easy to treat. In most cases, our doctors will recommend a snore guard. This is an appliance designed to open your airway while you sleep. It does this by adjusting the position of your jaw and tongue to allow more airflow.
Like mouthguards, snore guards are simple and easy to use. For a perfect fit, your guard will be customized to your mouth. Our team will take impressions of your teeth and adjust your final guard as needed to ensure a comfortable fit.
If you struggle with snoring or believe you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, call our office at 812-232-6654. We will be happy to schedule a consultation or discuss your treatment options.