How to Treat Snoring
Barrie, Ontario - Canada
Loud snoring rarely affects the perpetrator’s sleep pattern (unless it exists as the first stage of sleep apnea), but if you live with a snorer you know how disruptive it can be to your own nightly rest. No matter how many times you nudge the snorer or hide your head under a pillow, this condition is bound to continue unless treatment is sought. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Adam Chapnick provides effective treatment options for snoring so your house can become a quiet haven for restful sleep.
If you are a frequent snorer, it is advisable to have your condition checked to make sure you are not suffering from a more serious medical condition.
Why People Snore
Snoring occurs when your airway becomes partially blocked by your tongue or excess fat as the muscles in your mouth begin to relax. The narrowed airway causes vibration of your soft tissues because the air is forced faster through the passage. People who have physically smaller airways are even more prone to snoring. Other situations that can increase the likelihood for snoring include:
- Oversized tonsils
- Longer uvula (the soft tissue projection that hangs above the back of the tongue)
- Overconsumption of alcohol prior to sleeping
- Being overweight
- Deviated septum
- Congested nasal passages
- Sleep apnea
Snoring Treatment by Dentists
Dr. Chapnick and his team use oral appliance therapy to help treat snoring and sleep apnea. Designed much like a mouthguard, these treatments go a step beyond protecting your teeth by keeping the lower jaw jutted forward slightly to keep your airway clear. The two main snoring treatments used at Molson Park Dental Office include:
- SomnoDent® MAS therapy by SomnoMed
- Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP) by Airway Management, Inc.
These devises are custom made to fit your teeth and mouth comfortably and solve your specific problems. They change the position of your uvula, tongue and jaw and keep everything in a balanced position as you sleep.
In addition to oral appliance therapy, you can do your part to help alleviate snoring, such as:
- Avoid sleeping on your back
- Lose weight by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen
- Avoid heavy alcohol or drug consumption before bed
If you are a snorer who is disrupting the sleep of those around you, it may be time to seek treatment. Please contact Molson Park Dental Office in Barrie, to arrange a snoring treatment consultation by Dr. Adam Chapnick.
