Snoring is common. Over 60 percent of the adult population snores. However, snoring can put stress on a 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 a 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.
