Why do I snore?
There are several factors that make a person predisposed to snoring: overweight, alcohol consumption, deviation of the nasal septum, changes in the anatomy of the mouth, etc.
Generally, a person snores when the muscles in his “roof of the mouth”, tongue and throat relax and close the airway. This way, the airflow becomes stronger, eventually causing vibrations in these tissues, producing such noise (snoring).
Can a dentist help me?
Communicating your snoring problem with your dentist is an important step to take.
Oral health professionals may order some radiographic exams to test the size of the patient’s airway. If snoring due to oral problems is diagnosed, the dentist can prescribe treatment for you. The intraoral device is the most common therapy in these situations.
Do I have to use a dental appliance?
One of the most common treatments is the intraoral device. Customized for each patient, the intraoral device makes it possible for the person to keep their mouth closed, adjusting the jaw and tongue position during sleep.
So can snoring be derived from an oral problem?
Generally, when there is snoring, this means that the patient’s nocturnal breathing is through the mouth and not through the nose, as would be normal. Thus, the tongue is positioned lower, and the upper arch becomes narrower. This causes a crossbite and consequently crooked teeth to appear.
If this type of breathing is not corrected, it can still cause gum problems, possible inflammation, and teething problems.
Could the origin of my snoring be sleep apnea?
In many cases, sleep apnea is diagnosed in snoring patients.
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by noises and interruptions in breathing that are repeated at least five times in a period of 60 minutes.
Snoring during sleep can happen due to several reasons, either due to tiredness, a flu, or drinking alcoholic beverages. Snoring can also occur due to oral problems that need correction. But when snoring is loud, persistent, and happens every night, it can indicate sleep apnea.
And what are the main symptoms of sleep apnea while I am sleeping?
- Snore;
- Breaks or respiratory stops (apneas);
- Awakening with a feeling of suffocation;
- Insomnia;
- Restless sleep;
- Frequent need to urinate.
And are there any symptoms while the patient is awake?
Yes, there are some warning signs:
- Excessive drowsiness during the day;
- Feeling of non-restorative sleep;
- Greater irritability;
- Lack of attention, decreased memory and concentration;
- Sexual problems such as impotence;
- Morning headache
As soon as you detect or have these symptoms, it would be best if you went to your doctor to make an appropriate diagnosis.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
There are several tests that a dental professional can do, such as polysomnography or sleep study. In this exam, the patient’s sleep patterns are analyzed by monitoring the vital signs throughout sleep.
Eye and leg movements are observed, in addition to brain waves, blood oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory activity.
By analyzing the polysomnography and analyzing the patient’s entire history of symptoms, the doctor will be able to make the diagnosis and prescribe the ideal treatment for your specific case.
Is there a treatment?
The treatment of sleep apnea depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
Often, measures such as weight loss, guidelines for sleeping on your side, or speech therapy exercises are sufficient to prevent apnea in the mildest cases.
In other more serious cases, measures are necessary, such as the use of devices in the mouth or masks that facilitate breathing during sleep. Ultimately, surgery is necessary.
Nowadays, and with the evolution in the dental sector, there are several treatments and alternatives for the patient. We introduce you to an innovative treatment:
NightLase is a non-invasive laser treatment for the patient. It reduces the effects of sleep apnea and reduces the amplitude of snoring through a gentle laser-induced tightening effect caused by the contraction of collagen in the oral mucosa tissue.
Fotona’s Nightlase optimizes the duration of laser pulses, allowing the safe penetration of heat into the oral mucosa tissue. This technique does not require the use of any device during sleep and does not involve any chemical treatment.
Patients who have used Nightlase have seen a comfortable, simple, and effective way to recover their lost nights of sleep.
At Atelier do Sorriso, we use Nightlase Fotona with all the experience. We know that it is a non-invasive laser technique that will significantly improve your quality of life, reducing the effects of sleep apnea. We also offer several laser treatments at the aesthetic level.
A professional diagnosis is always recommended:
It is important to note that each case is different, and each patient is different from the others.
For treatment to be effective, snoring must be properly assessed by a professional. If there is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, the patient should seek immediate treatment as it can bring more serious problems.
Snoring is often linked to oral causes, and it is necessary to understand the case for each patient. From situations of light snoring to more serious situations such as sleep apnea, your dentist’s opinion should always be sought. Consult your trusted dentist and share your problem. With proper treatment, you will be able to breathe normally and eliminate snoring altogether.
