Sleeping Issues

Snoring

Welcome to Wilson Jane Family Dentistry, where we understand the nuances of snoring and its impact on your well-being. Snoring is a result of an obstructed airway during sleep, often caused by the collision of soft tissues at the back of your throat. This collision triggers vibrations that manifest as snoring. It’s important to know that occasional snoring among adults is a common occurrence, affecting a significant portion of the population. Statistics indicate that approximately 24 percent of women, 40 percent of men, and 10 percent of children experience chronic snoring.

Even children can snore, often due to factors such as missing teeth altering the oral tissue’s shape, potentially leading to blocked airways. The reasons behind snoring are diverse and may include:

  • Having a naturally narrow airway from birth
  • Characteristics like a low, thick soft palate, an elongated uvula, or enlarged tonsils
  • Sleeping positions
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Dealing with chronic nasal congestion
  • Engaging in alcohol and tobacco use
  • Pregnancy
  • Family history

The consequences of snoring can extend beyond nighttime disturbances. Daytime tiredness and fatigue are common outcomes, and severe snoring might even impede proper oxygen intake during sleep. If you experience feelings of illness or fatigue during the day, it’s essential to reach out to our office promptly.

Furthermore, snoring often leads to mouth breathing, contributing to dryness that can give rise to issues like bad breath, bacterial buildup, tooth decay, infections, and sores. At Wilson Jane Family Dentistry, we’re committed to addressing the multifaceted effects of snoring on your oral health and overall wellness.

Sleep Apnea

At Wilson Jane Family Dentistry, we want you to know that obstructive sleep apnea, a concerning sleep disorder, occurs when your upper airway becomes obstructed during sleep. Consequently, your diaphragm and chest muscles are compelled to exert extra effort to unblock the airway and facilitate the intake of air into your lungs. This often leads to shallow breathing or temporary pauses in breathing, followed by abrupt resumption accompanied by a noticeable gasp, snort, or even a body jerk. It’s crucial to recognize that this condition can also result in reduced oxygen flow to vital organs and irregular heart rhythms. Given the possibility of several other medical issues presenting similar symptoms, we strongly encourage you to discuss any concerns with us during your upcoming appointment.

Warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
  • Difficulties concentrating, memory lapses, depression
  • Restlessness during sleep
  • Night sweats
  • Snoring
  • A low sex drive
  • Gasping or choking when sleeping
  • High blood pressure
  • Waking up several times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Children have their own specific symptoms:

  • Choking or drooling
  • Wetting the bed
  • Excessive sweating at night
  • Inward ribcage movements when they breathe out
  • Issues at school
  • Learning and behavioral concerns
  • Sluggishness or sleepiness throughout the day
  • Snoring
  • Teeth Grinding
  • Breathing that pauses or ceases
  • A restless nature in bed
  • Abnormal sleeping positions, such as sleeping on their hands and knees, or with their neck noticeably bent back

Anti-Snoring Mouth Pieces

Introducing Wilson Jane Family Dentistry – Snoring, often characterized by the sound emanating from your mouth while asleep, can be attributed to resistance within the airway, caused by a flap at the rear of the throat. Contrary to popular belief that snoring originates from the nose, its origins actually lie behind the tongue. This phenomenon arises from the relaxation of muscles during slumber, which leads to a narrowing of the airway, resulting in throat vibrations and the recognizable snoring sound.

At Wilson Jane Family Dentistry, we recognize that snoring can indicate more profound concerns, such as sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep cycles. If sleep apnea is a challenge you face, snoring often accompanies it. We offer solutions to mitigate snoring, including specialized snoring devices. These innovative devices reposition your jaw, preventing throat tissues from vibrating and pressing together. By optimizing your airway, these devices alleviate resistance and muscle tension, significantly reducing snoring.

Among the options available, the mandibular advancement device (MAD) stands out. This device consists of two pieces resembling retainers that effectively prop open your airway, ensuring unrestricted airflow. Additionally, our practice provides a tongue stabilizing device, which positions the tongue forward, creating a substantial gap between the tongue and throat. This strategic alignment minimizes the vibrations that lead to snoring.

While less commonly used due to potential discomfort, the snoring chin strap is another alternative. Although it wraps around the head to prevent mouth opening, it has proven less effective compared to its counterparts. At Wilson Jane Family Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and well-being, tailoring our approach to address your unique needs and concerns. Rest assured, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve restful, quiet nights and optimal oral health.

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