Snoring Problems in Houston, TX

Snoring affects the quality and quantity of sleep, disturbs sleeping partners and others in close proximity, and can be a source of embarrassment. Snoring stems from air that can’t move freely through the nose and throat while a person sleeps. This causes the surrounding tissue to vibrate, which leads to that unmistakable snoring sound. Houston’s Cosmetic Dental Associates has an experienced team of dentists that can treat snoring and provide relief for the patient and their partner. Relieving snoring can lead to more restful sleep and better relationships.

Snoring can be caused by a number of issues. These can include:

• Sleep apnea – a breathing obstruction where breathing is temporarily halted and causes the sleeper to wake up throughout the night to resume normal breathing.
• Age – middle-aged and older patients tend to snore more since the throat narrows and the throat’s muscle tone decreases.
• Weight – overweight people have more fatty tissue and poor muscle tone in the throat, which contribute to snoring.
• Heredity – some patients inherit traits that increases the incidence of snoring, such as narrower airway passages, a narrow throat, and more.
• Sinus and nasal problems – when the airways are blocked or the nose is stuffy, snoring is more likely to occur.
• Substances – drinking alcohol, smoking, and taking certain medications can cause a higher incidence of snoring.

Snoring can be greatly helped with the use of custom mouth guards. These guards help keep the airways open and brings the tongue and/or lower jaw forward while sleeping for better breathing and less snoring. For sleep apnea sufferers, there is the CPAP machine that blows pressurized air into a mask that’s worn over the face to assist breathing. There are several surgeries available to treat snoring, such as removing tissues that cause snoring.

Keeping the air moist in the bedroom with a humidifier can added needed moisture to aid in breathing. Avoiding drinking alcohol before bed can help reduce snoring, as well as quitting smoking, which can aggravate airways. Maintaining a healthy weight, including exercising, is another effective option. Establishing a regular sleeping pattern can also help with snoring.

How can snoring problems be diagnosed?

Snoring problems can be diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a member of our team at Cosmetic Dental Associates, typically starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination. In some cases, further diagnostic tests such as a sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended to assess breathing patterns and identify any underlying sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce snoring?

Making certain lifestyle modifications can often help reduce snoring. These may include maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption and sedatives before bedtime, sleeping on one's side rather than the back, quitting smoking, practicing good sleep hygiene, and keeping the nasal passages clear.

Can snoring be cured?

While complete elimination of snoring may not always be possible, many individuals experience significant improvement with appropriate lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or interventions. Addressing underlying factors such as excess weight, nasal congestion, or sleep position can often lead to a reduction in snoring severity and frequency.

Who wants to snore? Nobody does. And your partner definitely doesn’t want to hear it. To restore sleep, your relationship, and your peace of mind, come into our office to learn more about our snoring options. We want to stop your snoring and get you back to restful sleep. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.