Have you ever wondered if your local area dentist can help with your loud snoring? Chronic snoring is one of the most common sleep disorders experienced by Americans. Snoring is characterized by loud, abrasively loud breathing while one sleeps. It is the result of the vibration of tissues in the airway. Snoring can also be a symptom of a more dangerous condition called obstructive sleep apnea. While it may seem unrelated to dentistry, dentists like Drs. Alyssa Fisher and Gary Painter at Tooth Acres Dentistry in Fort Wayne, Indiana, can indeed play a role in addressing snoring issues through specialized treatment options.
How Your Dentist Can Assist With Your Snoring
Here are some ways dentists can help diagnose and treat your snoring.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: The first step in addressing snoring is to determine its underlying cause. Dentists can conduct a thorough assessment of your oral and craniofacial structures to identify any anatomical factors contributing to snoring, such as enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or a narrow airway
- Custom Oral Appliances: One of the most common treatments for snoring offered by dentists is the use of custom oral appliances. These devices are similar to mouthguards and are designed to alter the position of the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward during sleep, helping the airway to remain open and reduce snoring
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Alternatives: For individuals who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or intolerable, oral appliances can serve as an effective alternative for managing snoring. Dentists work closely with sleep physicians to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient, considering factors such as the severity of snoring, the presence of sleep apnea, and patient preferences
- Lifestyle Modifications: In addition to oral appliances, dentists may recommend lifestyle modifications to address contributing factors to snoring, such as obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, or allergies. Counseling on weight management, smoking cessation, and sleep hygiene practices can complement dental interventions for improved snoring outcomes
- Collaboration with Sleep Medicine Specialists: Dentists often collaborate with sleep medicine specialists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors), and other healthcare providers as part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment planning for each patient
- Follow-Up Care and Monitoring: After initiating treatment for snoring, dentists provide ongoing follow-up care and monitoring to assess treatment efficacy and address any concerns or side effects. Adjustments to the oral appliance may be necessary to optimize comfort and effectiveness, ensuring long-term success in managing snoring
- Treatment of Underlying Dental Conditions: Certain dental conditions, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or dental malocclusions, can contribute to snoring or exacerbate existing sleep-related breathing issues. Dentists can help address these underlying dental issues through various treatment modalities, including orthodontics, occlusal splint therapy, or TMJ rehabilitation, which may indirectly improve snoring symptoms
- Patient Education and Support: Dentists play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of addressing snoring and its potential impact on overall health and quality of life. Providing information on the risks associated with untreated snoring, such as sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and daytime fatigue, empowers patients to take proactive steps toward better sleep health
To schedule an appointment with Drs. Fisher and Painter at Tooth Acres Dentistry, please call (260) 235-2992.