People of all ages and genders can snore. In most cases, this is a temporary or infrequent issue. However, should you snore on a nightly basis, you may consider seeing your dentist. In some cases, chronic snoring can be warning sign of a serious sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. Treating the issue is vital for avoiding complications, such as high blood pressure or depression.
Why Do We Snore?
We snore because our breathing during sleep becomes partially obstructed due to collapsing throat tissue. Air is forced through the partially obstructed airways, causing tissue to vibrate and create the noise with associate with snoring. Factors behind snoring can include obesity, neck circumference, sleeping on your back, and consumption of alcohol before bed.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
In many cases, patients who snore can actually be experiencing a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, breathing stops completely because collapsed soft has blocked all airflow. The patient is then woken up once the brain registers the sudden lack of oxygen. The patient may have no memory of the waking episodes, despite them happening hundreds of times per night and leaving the patient feeling exhausted the next day.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, our team includes dental professionals like Dr. Jennifer Mullarkey, who can diagnose and recommend treatment for patients suffering from sleep apnea. The treatment helps airways remain open, which addresses both snoring and sleep apnea. We may recommend changing your sleep habits, such as sleeping on your side or maintaining a regular sleep schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same times daily). We may also prescribe an oral appliance. Worn at night and similar to a nightguard, the device repositions the jaw to prevent airflow obstruction.
ABOUT YOUR WILMETTE, IL DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team – including sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Jennifer Mullarkey – proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 259-8030.
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