Causes of Snoring

Snoring occurs when the airflow through the nose and mouth is physically obstructed.

Airflow can be blocked by a combination of reasons, including:

Obstructed nasal airways

Some people snore only during allergy seasons or when they have a sinus infection symptoms. Deformities of the nose like a deviated septum or nasal polyps can also cause nasal airway obstruction.

Poor muscle condition in the throat and tongue

Throat and tongue muscles can be too relaxed, which lets them collapse and fall back to the airway. This can result from deep sleep, alcohol consumption, or the use of sleeping pills. Aging causes further relaxation of these muscles.

Bulky throat tissues

Being overweight can cause bulky throat tissues. Also, children with large tonsils frequently snore.

Long soft palate and/or uvula

A long soft palate can contract the opening from the nose to the throat. When these vibrate and bump against each other, the airway becomes obstructed, causing snoring.

Snoring Treatment in Leederville

For snoring accompanied by obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), your dentist may suggest:

Oral appliances. Oral appliances are form-fitting mouthpieces that help advance the position of your jaw, tongue, and soft palate to keep your airways open.

If you decide to use an oral appliance, you’ll work with your dental specialist to optimise the fit and position of the appliance. You’ll also work with your Leederville dentist to make sure the oral appliance is working as intended.

Dental visits may be required at least once every six months during the first year, and then at least once a year afterwards, to have the fit checked and to evaluate your oral health condition.

Excessive saliva production, dry mouth, teeth movement and jaw and facial pain, are possible side effects from wearing these devices.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This treatment involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth while you are asleep. The mask directs pressurised air from a small bedside pump to your airway keeping it open while you sleep.

CPAP eliminates snoring and is most often used to treating snoring when associated with OSA.

Although CPAP is the most trusted and effective method of treating OSA, some people find it disturbing or have trouble adjusting to the noise or feel of the machine.

Surgical procedures like Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP), and tonsillectomy (tonsil removal surgery) increase the size of your airway by surgically removing tissues or correcting deformities.

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