Depending on what region you’re from, you probably have a unique term for it. In the Great Lakes area, you might call it “hitting a knot.” Californians describe it as “mowing hay.” Folks up in Massachusetts call it “raking coals.” In the greater northeast, it’s alluded to as “sawing wood.”
However you colloquially refer to it, snoring is no laughing matter. In fact, it can indicate a serious health issue, or even be the actual cause of it. If you or a loved one snores excessively or loudly, then it can be an indicator that there is a significant restriction of airflow in the throat while sleeping. Not only can this be harmful to your health, but it can be disruptive to your partner’s sleep schedule as well.
Myths and Misconceptions
If you or someone you love suffers from snoring, there are probably a few myths and misconceptions that you’ve heard about this affliction. At Bloom Dental of Arlington, we’re not only the professional dentists serving the areas of Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington, VA. We also provide our patients with effective information about and treatment for snoring and related sleep disorders.
If you’re one of the 90 million people in America who suffer from chronic snoring, you may be desperate for a cure. However, you should understand that there are plenty of “easy fixes” to this affliction, and most are entirely myths. Let’s examine—and correct—some of the most common misconceptions about snoring, sleep apnea, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and how you can actually put a stop to them for good with professional dentistry.
1. Only Overweight People Snore
False. While it may be true that those of us who are overweight are more likely to snore, a person of any size or weight can snore. Additionally, individuals with issues such as a deviated septum, polyps, allergies, or others may also experience snoring.
2. Snoring Is Completely Normal
False. Because the muscles in the throat, jaw, and mouth relax during sleep, it’s common for heavy breathing to occur, especially as we progress through the various stages of our sleep cycles. However, it’s vital to remember that gasping or a stoppage of breath during sleep is NOT normal and should be reported immediately.
3. Only Men Snore
False. It might be true that men are more likely to snore than women, but there are millions of females who have to deal with this problem. In fact, it’s common for the instances of snoring to increase after menopause.
4. Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids Can Help With Snoring
False. By chemically-inducing sleep, you’re actually causing yourself to breathe harder and temporarily making your breathing condition worse.
5. Sleeping on your Back Is Best to Combat Snoring
False. When you sleep on your back, gravity causes the muscles in the soft palate of your mouth and throat to close slightly. Try sleeping on your side instead (unless you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea).
6. A Nightcap Can Help Prevent Snoring
False. Snoring can actually become more pronounced after imbibing alcohol. Consuming alcoholic beverages leads to more interrupted sleep patterns and an increase in muscle relaxation, which
7. Snoring Isn’t Dangerous
False. If you’re snoring, it can indicate a more serious condition, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has been linked to severe health issues. Additionally, excessive snoring can also point to another undiagnosed condition. It’s best to always consult with a professional if you’re experiencing any of these issues.
How Professional Dentistry Can Help to Eliminate Your Snoring
While there are plenty of so-called “remedies” for snoring out here, only a few have been proven effective. Aside from obtrusive therapies like CPAP masks and surgery, there is a way to reliably treat snoring with the help of your professional dentist at Bloom Dental of Arlington. Oral appliance therapy is one way to help eliminate snoring, many times permanently.
With this method, an appliance is worn in the mouth while you sleep. It fits comfortably—like a retainer or mouthguard—and holds your jaw in a slightly forward position to allow airflow and reduce the instances of snoring. Not only is it useful in treating snoring and easy to maintain, but many times an oral appliance is also covered by medical insurance.
If you’re tired—literally—of the fatigue, loss of focus, and drain that chronic snoring causes you and your partner, then there’s hope. Contact our office today to get started on overcoming your snoring and finally getting the full night’s rest that you deserve.
For more information, call Bloom Dental of Arlington at 703-243-3600 today!