Snoring Treatment in Laurel, MD
Why Do People Snore?
Dr. Batz & Weiner Family provide treatment for snoring problems for our St. Laurel, MD patients. Snoring is one of the most common nuisances in the world. The act of snoring is loud breathing while you are asleep. Often, snoring gets worse with age and happens more to men and people who are overweight. It is not usually a serious issue, but it can disrupt sleep quality. Snoring may also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. Our experienced dental team can find the root of your snoring problem and work towards alleviating the issue.
What Causes Snoring?
Anything that restricts the constant flow of air through your air and blocks your nose is a cause of snoring. The most common causes of snoring include:
- Blocked Nasal Airways –Many people snore when they have a sinus infection or allergies due to blocked nasal airways.
- Sleep Deprivation –If you’re not getting enough sleep, your throat muscles often relax too much.
- Large Throat Tissue – If you’re overweight or have large tonsils and adenoids, you may have bulky throat tissue.
- Long Soft Palate –A long soft palate or a long uvula makes the opening from your throat to your nose too narrow for adequate airflow.
- Alcohol –Drinking alcohol makes your tongue and throat muscles relax.
Snoring Diagnosis and Treatment
Your primary care physician often diagnoses and recommends treatment for snoring. They’ll examine you for blocked airways, a deviated septum, swollen tonsils, and other issues. Testing may include a sleep apnea test, an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan. You may need to undergo a sleep study to determine your breathing, heart rate, and brain activity while you sleep. The most common treatments for snoring include:
- Lifestyle Changes – You may need to stop smoking, quit drinking before bed, or lose weight.
- Oral Appliance – You can wear a plastic oral appliance to open the airways while you sleep.
- Surgery – You can get tissues removed or stiffen your soft palate.
- CPAP – A continuous positive airway pressure machine helps reduce snoring by blowing air and opening up your airways during sleep.
How Can the Dentist Help Me Deal With My Snoring?
Many patients with sleep apnea and snoring use the highly effective CPAP machine. We offer other practical solutions to treat snoring. We can custom-fit you with an oral positioning appliance to use each night when you sleep. The appliance helps the lower jaw pull forward, preventing the airway from closing. Most patients can easily breathe and notice a significant reduction in snoring.
We Help You Stop Snoring
Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry is here to help you stop snoring. We understand snoring can be a nuisance to you and your loved ones. We can help determine the cause of the issue and find the best treatment for your needs. We offer comprehensive dental treatment to patients of all ages. We’re always here to help you live your best life and smile your biggest smile. Contact us today to make an appointment.