Are you prone to restless nights and exhausted days because of snoring? Do you keep your partner up all night with loud snoring? Snoring is one of the most common reasons for fatigue, and it seems like everyone has a different at-home remedy for quieting their nasal passageways. There are strips you can place over your nose, essential oils you can roll over your sinuses, and some people swear that all you have to do is not sleep on your side.
However, many people do not realize that their dentist can actually help when it comes to snoring treatment options. A trained dental health professional can help you understand the root cause of your snoring and create a course of treatment to open your passageways and remedy any interruptions in your breathing at night. Journal Square Dental has proudly served Jersey City with all of their oral health needs, including snoring, for over a quarter of a century and would love to do the same for you.
The vibrational noise most commonly associated with snoring is a result of strained breathing at night. Somewhere in your airflow is an obstruction, which can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s just allergies and your snoring will subside once your allergies have been treated or go away naturally. Other times, it’s the direct result of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a diagnosable sleep disorder. Some of the most common causes include the following:
When your nasal passages are narrowed by nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or clogging due to illness or allergies, airflow can be obstructed. This will cause your body to compensate and force your diaphragm and chest to work overtime to increase your airflow. This is what causes snoring at night and can often result in the individual suddenly jerking awake.
Often, your nasal passages are easily cleared with a nasal spray or even just over time if it’s a result of allergies or illness. When they are narrow due to a physical condition, such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, you may require surgery to help remove the anatomical blockage. Typically, when this passageway has been cleared of any obstructions and corrected to its usual size, the snoring will stop and regular breathing and sleeping will commence.
Occasionally, snoring may be a result of a genetic factor, such as enlarged or excess tissue. For those with naturally excessive tissue around their airways, such as a long uvula or soft palate, your passageway may naturally be narrower, causing blockage.
Similarly, enlarged tonsils or bulky tissue around the throat can result in snoring and trouble breathing.
A lack of muscle tone can cause your throat and the surrounding tongue muscles to become too relaxed while you sleep. If this happens, the muscles can collapse, fall back toward your airway, and cause an obstruction. This condition is more likely to occur in patients who take sedatives such as sleeping pills or consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
Your dentist will begin with a thorough examination of your airflow and nasal passageways to help determine the exact cause of your snoring. From there, a plan of action can be devised, with the first course of treatment typically involving oral appliance therapy. This is a custom appliance made to fit in your mouth while you sleep, similar to a retainer or a mouth guard. The mouthpiece is able to target a couple of different issues, such as gently moving your jaw into a more favorable position and keeping your tongue away from the back of your throat. It can even help with issues like teeth grinding.
If the appliance isn’t the proper course of treatment for you, your dentist can work alongside your physician to personalize a comprehensive plan to tackle your snoring and help you restore your full night’s sleep.
Nobody should have to worry about not getting enough sleep at night, especially when the problem is easily fixed with a trip to your trusted dental professional. Dr. Haig Rickerby of Journal Square Dental has been a part of the New Jersey Dental Association since 1987 and has helped his clients with a plethora of issues, ranging from restorative dentistry to cosmetic dentistry to sleep apnea and snoring. Your oral health is directly tied to a lot of other important health aspects, including your sleep. We make your oral condition our top priority when you are a client of ours, ensuring you get the best results possible.
To schedule an examination and get the process started today, please call our office at (201) 431-0288 or schedule an appointment through our online contact form.
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Expertly Reviewed by
Dr. Haig Rickerby, DMD
Dr. Rickerby is currently an assistant professor at NYU’s School of Dentistry and has been a member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association, Commonwealth Dental Society, and the New Jersey Dental Association since 1987.
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1 Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07306