Did you know the anatomy of your mouth can cause you to snore? It’s true. Research has indicated that a condition called soft palate can be the cause of obstructive sleep apnea in snoring individuals. Studies estimate that 30% to 50% of the United States population suffers from snoring, but in many cases, snoring can be remedied. If your snoring is disturbing your loved one, or if their snoring is disturbing you, then Dr. Newton can discuss symptoms and possible options to treat the underlying condition, allowing you and your loved one to enjoy a good nights sleep.
Sleep Apnea and Your Palate
What is your palate? The roof of the mouth is called the palate. The front part is referred to as the hard palate, and the back, fleshy part is the soft palate. The thicker and lower the soft palate, the more likely the person will snore. What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can be a serious condition, and is caused when your throat tissues obstruct your airway, making it difficult for you to breathe. Patients with sleep apnea experience repeated interruptions in the oxygen flow to their brains, usually for several seconds at a time. Signs of sleep apnea can include (but are not limited to):
- Loud snoring
- Breathing lapses for up to 10 seconds or more
- Snorting, gasping, or choking
- Frequent waking
- Dry mouth and/or sore throat upon waking
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
However, every snoring individual does not have sleep apnea. Besides soft palate, snoring can also be caused by drinking alcohol before bed which relaxes your tonsils, the base of your throat, and other oral tissues. Nose problems such as a sinus infection, deviated septum, or nasal stuffiness can also contribute to snoring.
Treatment
Dr. Newton will discuss the symptoms, perform an evaluation, and may possibly refer her patients to a sleep specialist or sleep study program for a second opinion before administering treatment. Dr. Newton can help treat excessive snoring with the use of various dental devices, whether your snoring is due to obstructive sleep apnea or other causes. For instance, the commonly-used mandibular advancement device–a clear mouth guard which holds the lower jaw and tongue forward–can help keep your airway open to reduce the risk of snoring. Some custom mouth guards include an attached tongue retainer that pulls the tongue forward, providing more space for air to pass into the throat. Both devices are custom-made for comfort and performance by casting molds of the teeth and tongue, and they’re fabricated using a soft copolymer. Patients’ sleep progress is monitored to ensure the treatment’s success.
About Dr. Newton
Are you waking frequently due to your or your loved one’s snoring? To speak with Dr. Newton about finding the right treatment for you, contact our office by calling (214) 851-0130. Located in the 75009 area, Celina Family Dentistry provides advanced comprehensive dentistry to patients of all ages from Celina, Prosper, McKinney, Frisco, Anna, Pilot Point, and the surrounding areas.
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