Snoring Specialist

What is snoring?

Snoring is a hoarse sound that happens during sleep when air flows past lax tissues in your throat, causing tissue vibration when you breathe.

Snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, but it is not always a sign of the condition. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing the person to stop breathing for short periods of time. This can cause loud snoring as well as other symptoms such as daytime fatigue, morning headaches and sore throat.

Snoring, on the other hand, is the noise made by the vibration of the soft tissues in the back of the throat during sleep. It can occur in people without sleep apnea, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, or a blocked nose. While snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, it is not always indicative of the condition. A formal sleep study conducted by a sleep physician is needed to diagnose sleep apnea. Therefore, it is important to consult with a sleep physician if you suspect you may have sleep apnea, even if you only snore.

Treatment at California Dental Sleep Solutions can offer you relief.

What are common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

Symptoms that can indicate sleep apnea, a common cause of snoring, include:

• Loud snoring
• Restless sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Problems concentrating
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Morning headaches A sore throat
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Disrupting your partner's sleep

If you wake up gasping for air or your partner reports loud snoring at night, see Dr. Martinez for an evaluation to find out if you’re a good candidate for sleep apnea treatment.

How does my provider diagnose obstructive sleep apnea?

Dr. Jaclyn Martinez DDS works with your existing physician, or connects you with a physician specialist for diagnosis and treatment.  

The process used by sleep physicians to diagnose sleep apnea begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. The physician may also conduct a physical examination and may recommend a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. This study is typically conducted in a sleep lab, where the patient's sleep patterns, breathing, and other physiological measures are monitored while they sleep.

Once the sleep study is completed, the physician will interpret the results to determine if the patient has sleep apnea. They will look for patterns of interrupted breathing, such as pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. The physician will also assess the patient's oxygen levels and the number of times the patient wakes up during the night. Based on these results, the physician will be able to diagnose the patient with sleep apnea and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

What are the treatment options for snoring?

To reduce or eliminate snoring and optimize sleep quality, Dr. Martinez might recommend:

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of snoring. Examples include weight loss if you’re overweight, not sleeping on your back, treating nasal congestion, and avoiding alcohol before bed.

Oral appliance therapy

Wearing a custom-fit oral appliance when you sleep can reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open and reduce or eliminate snoring.

How a Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Works

CPAP machines are a common treatment option for moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. These machines use a constant flow of air to help keep the airway open while sleeping. The air pressure is adjusted to the needs of the individual and is delivered through a mask that is worn over the nose or both the nose and mouth. This helps to prevent the airway from becoming obstructed and allows for better quality sleep.

However, for mild cases of sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be a more appropriate treatment option. This type of therapy is provided by a sleep apnea dentist like California Dental Sleep Solutions. Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a custom-fit mouthguard that repositions the jaw or tongue to improve airflow and prevent the airway from becoming obstructed. This treatment option is often more comfortable and less intrusive than a CPAP machine, making it a popular choice for those with mild sleep apnea.

It is important to note that not all oral appliance therapy is the same, and it is crucial to find a qualified and experienced sleep apnea dentist like California Dental Sleep Solutions. They will evaluate the patient’s condition, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. With the oral appliances provided by California Dental Sleep Solutions, the patient can expect a comfortable and effective treatment that will help them breathe better and sleep better.

Don’t live with loud snoring if it diminishes your or your partner's sleep quality. Schedule an appointment with California Dental Sleep Solutions over the phone or online for relief today.