Snoring Treatments in San Rafael, CA
Explore what causes snoring and how we can help.
What Causes Snoring?
If you or a loved one habitually snore, you are not alone. In fact, it is estimated that 90 million Americans are affected by snoring. While it is more common for men to snore, it can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.
Snoring occurs when the soft muscle tissue in your airway vibrates. When you sleep your throat muscles relax and your airway becomes more narrow. The more obstructed your airway becomes the louder the snoring is.
Snoring Reasons and Solutions
While snoring can happen for a number of reasons, one of the most common reasons is weight gain. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, two out of three adults in the US were either overweight or obese. The more overweight a person is, the more likely that their airway will become obstructed as they sleep.
While we understand that weight loss is the long-term goal, we want to help our patients solve their snoring dilemma right away. Dr. Buchanan has a variety of oral appliances she can use to fix most snoring issues.
When is Snoring a Problem?
Snoring in and of itself is not necessarily a serious problem. That said, it can cause a severe disturbance to those around you and can also be a sign of a more serious sleeping disorder. The most common sleeping disorder associated with snoring is sleep apnea.
The best way to find out if your snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea is to take a sleep test. Also known as a sleep study, these tests can be administered overnight at a clinic or using a take-home test.
Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea
At our San Rafael dental practice, our team is dedicated to helping you regain a great night’s sleep, regardless of whether you have sleep apnea or not. While snoring is often the most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea, Dr. Buchanan believes in helping you get a better night’s sleep even if your snoring isn’t caused by sleep apnea.
If you notice your partner or a family member snores or if your partner has complained about your snoring, we strongly encourage you to come in for an evaluation and screening.