Though millions of people experience loud, bothersome snoring, this common nighttime concern can lead to a decrease in both the quality and the number of hours you, and your partner or roommates, achieve restful sleep. Regular snoring has several causes, many of which are no cause for serious concern. Still, the morning dry mouth, restless nights, and increased risk of harmful bacteria growth can impact your smile the next day in more ways than one.
Top 10 Tips on How To Stop Snoring
Snoring is unpleasant for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are many effective solutions for snoring that don’t require separate bedrooms or complicated surgical solutions. Starting with the easiest, here are our remedies to eliminate snoring and help everyone in your household get a better night’s rest.
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Sleep on Your Side
Do you tend to sleep on your back? If so, you may be able to solve your snoring problem simply by changing sleep positions. Side sleepers are less likely to experience snoring caused by the collapse of their tongue and soft palate in the back of their throat. While this may not cure the root cause of your snoring problems, it can make a noticeable difference on a nightly basis.
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Use Sleep Apnea Pillows
Traditional pillows do not always do enough to support your head and neck to discourage natural airway obstructions. Specially designed sleep apnea pillows make certain sleep positions easier or more comfortable, whether you’re using a CPAP machine or just in need of extra elevation or relief to reduce snoring.
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Use Nasal Strips or a Nasal Dilator
To facilitate breathing through your nose and mouth, many people find that nasal strips and dilators can make a huge difference in snoring reduction. These solutions pull the sides of your nose open and create more space in your airways, and this increase in breathing room can be a useful remedy for mild obstructions.
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Treat Chronic Allergies
Both indoor and outdoor allergens can contribute to nasal congestion and inflammation that can either cause snoring altogether or increase the volume or intensity of nighttime snoring. If you experience chronic allergies, talk with your provider to determine the best course of treatment, as some medications can worsen your sleep problems.
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Change Your Habits
Sedatives, alcohol, smoking, and obesity are all associated with an increased risk of snoring. Some habits can lead to nasal or throat inflammation, a decrease in muscle tone, relaxation of the airways, and increased soft tissue that blocks airflow from your nose and mouth, resulting in unpleasant snoring.
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Anti-Snoring Sleep Apnea Devices or Appliances
When jaw, tongue, or anatomical misalignments are the cause of your snoring, a variety of devices can help to keep your airway open to eliminate snoring and help you sleep more soundly. We use several custom-fit, FDA-approved oral appliances to keep soft tissues from collapsing by stabilizing and repositioning your jaw and tongue to prevent blocked airways. This treatment is also known as Oral Appliance Therapy or O.A.T.
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Use a CPAP Machine
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is an effective way to treat sleep apnea-related snoring. CPAP devices are worn at night and work by delivering pressurized air through a mask attached to your nose and/or mouth, keeping your tongue and soft palate open and stabilizing your breathing to minimize interruptions—and subsequently, snoring.
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Get Invisalign® Orthodontics
Often, the misalignment of your teeth, bite, or jaw can cause snoring due to an obscured or narrowed airway. These misalignments can increase the risk of nighttime breathing problems, including sleep apnea and loud snoring. While the Invisalign® system alone cannot cure sleep apnea, it can correct your oral posture by shifting the position of your mouth and allowing air to flow more freely.
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NightLase LightWalker® Laser Therapy
For significant cases of sleep apnea or severe snoring, non-invasive laser therapy can considerably reduce airway obstruction and provide long-term relief from bothersome snoring and other related symptoms. We use the NightLase LightWalker laser as an effective, affordable laser treatment that works by tightening soft tissues in your palate to firm up your airways and cut down on troublesome snores.
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Explore Surgical Options
Because snoring can be caused by anatomical or genetic factors, many patients benefit from surgical or implant procedures to provide a long-lasting solution for airway sleep obstructions. Many of these procedures only require local anesthesia and address minor structural issues, while others correct significant physical abnormalities that increase your risk of snoring. Should these procedures be necessary, we can help you discover the treatment that is right for you.
Ready to Sleep Soundly Again? Give Us a Call!
If your snoring has become out of control, call Silverdale Dental Center to find a solution to help you get better, healthier sleep.
