When you consider the kinds of things your dentist can help you address, you may not think your chronic snoring habit should be included in them. However, for many people who suffer from chronic snoring, a visit to the dentist could be the first step in finally finding a solution to stopping it. Today, we explore what could be contributing to your snoring, why it’s important not to ignore it, and what your dentist may be able to do to help you sleep soundly and peacefully each night.
Understanding the cause of it
There are many different potential causes of snoring, some of which may not be of significant concern. For example, if you only snore occasionally, and those occasions are few and far between, then it may not be a problem that needs to be addressed. However, when you snore chronically, meaning every or almost every night, there’s likely an underlying condition causing it that could also impact other aspects of your health and wellbeing. For example, a common cause of chronic snoring is the consistent obstruction of your airway by overrelaxed or malformed oral tissues. If this is the cause of your snoring, then it may also be causing you to receive less oxygen every night.
If it means bigger trouble than you realize
By itself, the partial airway obstruction that causes chronic snoring can eventually have a serious impact on your overall health. The continuous labored breathing each night can tax your cardiovascular system and lead to heart and/or respiratory problems in the future. In some cases, chronic snoring may also indicate a more immediate threat known as obstructive sleep apnea, which involves the complete obstruction of your airway every night. This not only impacts your breathing pattern, but also lowers the overall quality of your sleep each night by constantly interrupting your sleeping pattern.
Helping you stop snoring each night
For many people who suffer from chronic snoring due to an airway obstruction, or who exhibit obstructive sleep apnea, a solution can often be as simple as a custom-made oral appliance from their dentist. This is why it’s important to mention your snoring habit to your dentist, or discuss your sleep apnea, if you’ve been diagnosed with it. With the help of a custom-designed sleep appliance, we can help ensure that your airway stays clear each night, and that your breathing remains consistent.
Learn how we can help you stop snoring
Your chronic snoring habit can be a bigger problem than you realize, but with personalized treatment, we may be able to help you stop. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.