What Causes Snoring?

During sleep, the tissues in the back of your throat relax and can obstruct your airway, causing vibrations that create the sound. While loud snoring is an annoyance that can irritate other members of the household, it may also be an indication of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, and can come with serious health risks of its own.

Dr. Grimshaw treats sleep apnea using customized oral appliances, similar to mouth guards, to keep your airway open during sleep and relieve extra heavy breathing.

Sleep Dentistry Training

Dr. Grimshaw has trained extensively in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. She is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep medicine.

man covering his ears in bed while wife snores next to him

The Dangers of Snoring

While people tend to think of it as a joke, it should be taken seriously because it can actually be linked to serious problems, such as:

  • Sleep apnea. Often the most obvious sign that a person has sleep apnea. Perhaps 70% or more of people who snore have sleep apnea, and the louder your snoring, the more likely you have apnea.
  • Coronary artery disease and stroke. It has been independently associated with coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. This is because the vibrations of snoring can cause tiny injuries in the arteries, which causes scarring that leads to hardened arteries. It can also dislodge arterial plaque, which travels to the brain or heart, causing stroke.
  • Drowsy driving accidents. It can be a sign that you’re not sleeping well. Someone looking at you might think you’re sleeping soundly, but you’re struggling to breathe. You wake up unrested and are likely to doze off during the day, including behind the wheel.
  • Divorce and domestic violence. The disruption is not a joke. When neither person is sleeping well, it’s hard to be rational, calm, and forgiving. Minor disputes can spiral out of control. Many incidents of domestic violence, including beatings, stabbings, and shootings.

Because of these dangers, you should not ignore your snoring. Instead, get tested for sleep apnea and get an effective treatment.

Oral Appliance for Comfortable, Effective Snoring Relief

For relief from snoring, Dr. Grimshaw provides oral appliances that are customized to fit your mouth comfortably. They position the lower jaw slightly forward and down, opening up your airway and stopping the vibrations. You can test this by making a snoring sound and moving your jaw forward. You will find that the sound stops.

The process for getting an oral appliance is quick and easy. With the use of a 3D Cone Beam Scanner, digital impressions of your mouth and teeth are made. No more biting down on a mold and no more awkward treatment. You can relieve your snoring with ease and comfort.

To make an appointment, call (910) 692-4450 or click here to request an appointment online.