Snoring
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TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center
TMJ Specialists & Dental Sleep Medicine located in Seattle, WA
Snoring can be more than just a nuisance disrupting your sleep. At TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center in Seattle, experienced dentist and sleep specialist, Jason Pehling, DDS, MS, knows that snoring could be a sign of an underlying problem, such as sleep apnea. Dr. Pehling gets to the root cause of your snoring and presents viable solutions. If you have concerns about your snoring, your sleep, and your health, call TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center or use the convenient online scheduling system.
Snoring Q & A
What is snoring?
Snoring refers to the harsh or hoarse sound that happens when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat. This causes the tissues to vibrate when you breathe.
Most people snore now and then, but for many people, snoring can become a chronic problem, and, in some cases, it can indicate a serious health condition and disrupt sleep quality.
When should I visit a doctor about my snoring?
Snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — the sleep disorder involving disrupted breathing and airflow throughout the night. If snoring is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you might also have OSA and should visit TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center for an evaluation:
- Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Sore throat when waking
- Restless sleep
- Choking or gasping at night
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain at night
This pattern of breathing pauses might be repeated many times during the night. If you have these symptoms, visit Dr. Pehling for treatment.
What causes snoring?
Snoring can be caused by several contributing factors, such as the anatomy of your mouth and sinuses, allergies, a cold, alcohol consumption, and your weight.
How is snoring treated?
The right treatment for your snoring depends on the cause. Dr. Pehling might suggest lifestyle changes, such as a diet or decreasing your alcohol consumption. Oral appliance therapy can also be beneficial, such as snore guards and oral sleep appliances.
Dr. Pehling might also recommend a CPAP machine to assist your breathing at night. He can also suggest certain medical procedures in some circumstances, such as a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty that involves cutting away, tightening, or reducing soft tissue at the back of your throat and palate to minimize the risk of your airway collapsing. Most procedures are centered around opening your airway during sleep.
Book your personal consultation with TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center to determine the right treatment for you. During your consultation, Dr. Pehling can discuss your treatment options in detail.
Get the deep rejuvenating sleep you deserve and improve your sleep quality and general wellness with the best possible care. Call TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center or click to schedule online.
