Snoring

Snoring is extremely common and, in many cases, relatively harmless. Nearly everyone snores at one time or another. Occasional light snoring, at worst, is a minor annoyance. Loud and habitual snoring can disrupt your sleep and may be a sign of a much more serious sleep disorder - obstructive sleep apnea. 

Snoring is a sound that occurs in the upper airway as you breathe in air. The unmistakable sound is a sign that your airway is partially blocked, usually by soft tissue in your throat. The flow of air causes the soft tissue to vibrate, generating the noise, which comes out of your nose, mouth or both. 

The volume of snoring depends on the person. You may snore so loudly you wake yourself up. Snoring may also cause you to have a dry mouth or to wake up with a dry mouth and a sore throat.

Snoring Facts

• Snoring can affect almost anyone.
• Habitual snoring has been found in an estimated 24 percent of adult women and 40 percent of adult men.
• Both men and women are more likely to snore as they age. Men become less likely to snore after the age of 70.
• Alcohol, drugs, muscle relaxers and tobacco products contribute to snoring for both men and women.
• Obese or overweight people tend to snore because there is more fat tissue in the back of their throats.
• Pregnancy can increase a woman's change of snoring.
• An estimated 10 to 12 percent of children snore.
• Snoring appears to run in families

Is it Snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea frequently goes undiagnosed because people often mistaken the serious sleep disorder for snoring. About half of loud snorers have some form of sleep apnea.

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea have similar causes. Sleep apnea happens when the tissue in the upper-airway blocks the entire airway, causing a pause in your breathing. The blockage keeps oxygen from reaching your organs including your heart and brain. When the blood-oxygen level drops low enough, the body momentarily wakes up. It
can happen so fast that you may not be aware you woke up.

Snorers who suffer from sleep may make gasping, choking or snorting sounds as they try to breathe and feel drained of energy during the day. 

If you think you may have obstructive sleep apnea, get diagnosed by a board certified sleep physician at an AASM accredited sleep center. 

Snoring Treatments

There are several behavioral and medical treatments for snoring. Medical factors may affect treatment, so it is important to speak with a physician.

Dental Treatment Options

• Oral Appliance Therapy
• Upper Airway Surgery

Find an AADSM Dentist Near You

Behavioral Techniques

Losing weight can decrease the severity of snoring, because excess fat tissue in the back of the neck worsens snoring. Weight loss alone may not help stop snoring for everyone. 

Avoiding alcohol, drugs, muscle relaxers and tobacco products can also help reduce or eliminate the presence of snoring. 

Positional Therapy

You may be able to reduce snoring by sleeping on your side instead of your back. Shifting your sleeping position keeps the weight of your neck from collapsing on your airway. This approach may not help everyone.