Snoring & Snore Guards
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is partially obstructed in some way while you're sleeping. Sometimes snoring may indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner.
Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, which creates those irritating sounds.
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring.
In addition, medical devices and surgery are available that may reduce disruptive snoring. However, these aren't suitable or necessary for everyone who snores.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause of your snoring, your symptoms may include:
- Noise during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain at night
When to See a Doctor
- Your snoring is so loud it's disrupting your partner's sleep
- You wake up choking or gasping
These may indicate your snoring is caused by a more serious condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Snore Guards
Treatment consideration for snoring can include the use of a specially designed mouthpiece to be worn while sleeping. This is an attempt to open the airway and reduce the intensity of the snoring sound. Our office discourages the use of any over the counter mouth guards because improper fit can result in harmful conditions.