Stop Snoring! Please!

Snoring is common. Over 60 percent of the adult population snores. However, snoring can put stress on relationship. In fact, in some cases couples are forced to sleep apart due to the excessive snoring of their partner. Excessive, loud snoring can be an indication of obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition. But not all people who snore have sleep apnea. Even so, snoring can be treated. If your partner has a snoring problem don’t stop at saying “Stop Snoring! Please!” contact Dr. Smith to learn about treatment options.

What you Should Know about Snoring

Fact #1: When you are sleeping air enters through your nose or mouth, passes across your soft palate, travels down your throat, and to your lungs.

Fact #2: Your soft palate is the fleshy part on the roof of your mouth located back near your throat.

Fact #3: Snoring is the sound made when the air you breathe passes between the soft palate and your tongue.

Fact #4: While you sleep, your soft palate relaxes. The more fleshy and relaxed your soft palate, the more it vibrates.

Fact #5: If your palate relaxes too much, or collapses, it can block the airway to your throat preventing you from breathing for a few moments (sleep apnea). This usually results in episodes of gasping, choking, or slightly waking.

Fact #6: If you or your partner has a snoring problem that does not involve apneic events, you can still get treatment.

Fact #7: The most common treatment for snoring that is not indicative of sleep apnea is a SomnoMed appliance. This custom-fit mouth guard repositions your tongue and jaw to improve airflow and eliminate snoring.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE, TX DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.