Snoring and Sleep Apnea Appliances

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when breathing is obstructed while sleeping. Sometimes snoring may indicate a serious health condition. As many as half of adults snore at least occasionally.

When to be concerned

See your doctor or dentist if:

• Your snoring is so loud it is disrupting your partner’s sleep
• You wake up choking or gasping
• You experience excessive daytime sleepiness
• You have difficulty concentrating
• You notice high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats

These symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition. If your child snores, ask your pediatrician — enlarged tonsils and obesity often underlie habitual snoring in children, and treating these conditions can help the child sleep better.

Causes of snoring

As you move from light sleep to deep sleep, the muscles of your soft palate, tongue, and throat relax. The tissues can relax enough that they vibrate and partially obstruct your airway, creating snoring sounds. The more narrowed the airway, the more forceful the airflow and the louder the snoring.

Contributing factors include anatomy of the mouth and sinuses, alcohol consumption (especially close to bedtime), allergies, colds, and body weight.

Dental treatment options

Dr. Patel can fit you with a custom oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw and tongue during sleep to keep the airway open. These devices are discreet, comfortable, and effective for many patients with mild to moderate snoring or sleep apnea.

Lifestyle changes — losing weight, avoiding alcohol near bedtime, or sleeping on your side — can also help reduce snoring. Contact our office to discuss whether an oral appliance might work for you.

Frequently asked questions

Can a dentist treat snoring?

Yes. Dentists can fit custom oral appliances that gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring. These are different from CPAP machines and are often preferred for mild to moderate cases.

What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring is a sound caused by vibrating throat tissue as air flows past. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves repeated episodes of partial or complete airway blockage during sleep, often with gasping or choking. Both can be addressed with oral appliances; more severe sleep apnea may also require CPAP therapy.

When should I see a doctor about snoring?

See your doctor or dentist if your snoring is loud enough to disturb your partner, if you wake up choking or gasping, or if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats. These may indicate obstructive sleep apnea.