If you are one of the estimated 40% of adults who snore in the United States, then you need snoring treatment. The condition is more prevalent in men than women and is never a good health indication. Snoring is usually harmless (except the irritation that the sleeping partner may feel). But in some cases, it can be a sign of a serious health condition.
During sleep, if the air moving through the nose and mouth meets no inhibition, the person will sleep silently. However, when the air passages are blocked or restricted, snoring occurs. Snoring is simply a vibration of the soft tissues inside the air passages, i.e., the vertical folds surrounding the tonsils and the roof of the mouth.
Many factors can lead to snoring and some of the triggers are controllable. For instance, alcohol consumption can cause snoring. Alcohol may cause swelling of the tissues in the mouth and can alter the quality of sleep.
However, when snoring gets noisy and erratic, it could mean there is a problem. If someone snores, they might need to pay attention to details about the snoring so they can go for snoring treatment as soon as possible.
The following are signs that a person might need to get treated for snoring:
When the snoring gets increasingly louder, followed by a silent period and a gasp similar to a snort, then this might mean the person is dealing with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a sleep condition that can predispose the person to the risk of heart disease. Extended pauses in between breaths (usually 30 seconds) and choking or gasping for air afterward could mean that the air passages are falling and restricting airflow intermittently throughout the night. When the person tries to breathe with the airways closed, the air will not pass.
OSA is the most common and severe form of sleep disorder. Sometimes, these breath pauses can stir the person out of sleep wholly or partially. Anyone experiencing this needs to go for snoring treatment to have the condition checked by a professional.
If the person sleeps easily during daytime or feels drowsy while in class, working or driving or generally feel tired or fatigued, it could mean they are not sleeping well during the night. These symptoms can be related to another medical condition or reduced sleep time.
Talking or walking during sleep accompanied by snoring could be a cause for worry and may require snoring treatment, especially for children. Night terrors — the child is sleeping but is unresponsive and seems to be in a panic — are not related to any sleep disorder.
If the dentist has determined the symptoms are not related to sleep apnea, then they may provide snoring reduction aids or medications. These aids or drugs usually help free up the nasal passages and reduce nasal congestion.
If you notice any of the signs listed above, book an appointment with the dentist for examination and treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
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