We all know what snoring is — it’s a disruptive habit that can take away from the quality of sleep of the snorer and anyone around them. But when it comes to what causes snoring, there’s often some confusion. Identifying the cause of snoring can help you get help to stop the problem and regain your quality of sleep. And sometimes, that means sleep apnea treatment in Ocala. Keep reading to learn more about snoring and what you can do about it. The doctor is in!
Why Do We Snore?
Snoring can be brought on by anything from a temporary cold or sinus infection to having a deviated septum or being overweight or obese. Snoring happens when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during the night. Air can’t flow through properly, and the blockage causes the familiar sound we all know as snoring.
People who are most likely to snore include:
- Overweight or obese people of any age
- People over the age of 55
- People who have a deviated septum or sinus issues
- Heavy drinkers, especially when combined with tobacco
How Can Sleep Apnea Treatment Help with Snoring?
Snoring is a significant warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. This condition is increasingly common with the rise of obesity in our country. When excessive pressure is placed on the throat, air cannot move through properly — blocking the passageway and causing the sufferer to snore.
As an expert in all things related to your mouth and oral structures, a trained sleep dentist can help you find treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. Often, this means with an oral device that repositions the jaw to prevent its collapse and keep the airway clear throughout the night. Many patients find an effective solution for sleep apnea with this type of oral appliance.
For more significant cases of snoring and sleep apnea, combined therapy with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure machine) AND an oral appliance may be recommended. The only way to find out for sure what exactly your treatment will entail is to first receive a sleep apnea diagnosis — then visit a trained sleep dentist for the solution.
Natural Remedies for Snoring
Sleep apnea and snoring therapies are most effective when combined with certain lifestyle changes that improve general health.
To reduce snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms on your own, try the following.
- Weight loss tactics, like adopting vigorous exercise, eating better, and generally getting more movement throughout the day
- Cutting back on alcohol/tobacco consumption
- Reducing stress
- Talking to your doctor about certain medications which could be contributing to sleep apnea or snoring
Snoring and sleep apnea aren’t just disruptive — they’re also bad for your health. Don’t wait to find a solution for your disrupted sleep!
Meet the Practice
Weldon General and Cosmetic Dentistry offers comprehensive dentistry services, including sleep apnea treatment, from a state-of-the-art office. To learn more about snoring or sleep apnea or how to overcome both, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our dentist in Ocala by calling 352-622-3236.