Stop Snoring – Bethesda, MD
Quieter Nights and Better Sleep
Most people snore from time to time. It can happen if you have a cold, drink alcohol too close to bedtime, or go to bed when you are extra tired. Occasional snoring is usually not something to be concerned about. But what if your partner has told you that you snore frequently and loudly? It would be wise to seek professional care. Here at the Bethesda Center for Dental Sleep Medicine & TMJ Therapy, we are ready to help patients achieve quieter nights and better sleep. Read on below to find out how.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is the sound that occurs when air brushes past tissues in the throat. Some factors that can contribute to chronic loud snoring include:
- Snoring is more likely in middle-aged and elderly individuals than it is in younger people.
- Individuals whose BMI falls into the overweight or obese category are more likely to snore than normal-weight people.
- Facial anatomy. You may have been born with a narrow airway or other anatomical issues that increase your risk of snoring.
- Sinus issues. Persistent allergies or a sinus infection can make it difficult to breathe through your nose at night, which in turn can lead to mouth breathing and snoring.
- Sleep posture. Sleeping flat on your back, rather than your side, can increase snoring.
Why Seek Treatment for Snoring?
Certainly, you will have a happier partner if you seek treatment for snoring. Their quality of sleep is likely to improve, and you might notice a greater level of closeness in your relationship.
You are also likely to experience health benefits when you seek treatment. If your snoring is loud and persistent, there is a chance that you have a sleep disorder. Specifically, you may be a victim of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. It can greatly interfere with the quality of your sleep and increase your risk for a number of health problems, including heart attack, stroke, dementia, and more.
How Can a Dentist Help You Stop Snoring?
Dr. Greenbaum is an experienced dentist who is proud to provide treatment to help patients stop snoring and conquer their OSA. He does so with the use of specialized oral appliances. An oral appliance can gently reposition your lower jaw at night, thereby helping to keep the airway open so you can breathe easily. As a result, you may experience a great reduction in snoring and a heightened quality of sleep. In fact, you might not snore at all anymore!
All of the oral appliances we offer are custom-fitted for each patient. They are also prescribed after a thorough sleep evaluation that helps us to identify the specific problems that are interfering with your rest.
It might take a bit of time to get used to wearing your appliance. Overall, though, most patients find that the treatment is comfortable, effective, and easy to adapt to.
Would you like to learn more about how you can say goodbye to snoring and hello to a better night’s rest? Get in touch with our team today!