Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station VA
Many factors — and even a combination of them — could contribute to a person’s snoring. One of the primary causes we see in our Burke family dentist’s office is obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous sleep-breathing disorder that disrupts a person’s sleep cycle multiple times a night. Snoring is annoying, but it isn’t something to take lightly or ignore. It can lead to severe daytime fatigue, moodiness, headaches and even deadly accidents.
It’s important to know what’s behind your snoring to be able to seek the best treatment option for restoring your sleep and mood. Our sleep apnea dentist in Fairfax, Dr. Pam Marzban, is sharing today what could be causing your snoring — and how our office may be able to help.
Age
One of the simplest explanations for snoring is that you’re simply getting older. Over time, sleeping habits change, and the soft tissues of the throat and tongue muscles relax a bit more while sleeping. This causes an airway blockage — the same kind that causes snoring from sleep apnea sufferers.
Nose/Throat issues
A bad cold, nasal congestion from a sinus infection or even seasonal allergies will often lead to snoring, but this is usually temporary and can often be addressed with over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants, depending on the advice of your doctor.
Alcohol use
Alcohol has a sedative effect that makes us feel relaxed and oftentimes sleepy. Many people turn to alcohol when they’re stressed or feel they need a nightcap to relax before bed. But alcohol also makes throat or airway muscles relax and possibly collapse, which blocks the airway and results in snoring.
Weight
People who are overweight have excess fat tissues blocking their airways, which often leads to loud snoring.
Sleep apnea screening
It’s important to rule out sleep apnea as a potential cause of your snoring. Dr. Marzban can assess your symptoms and airway and refer you to a sleep specialist if necessary. Most mild-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea can be treated with oral appliance therapy in our Fairfax Station dentist’s office, eliminating the need for cumbersome, loud and hard-to-clean continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines.
Snoring Treatment in Burke, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station, Virginia
If you’re snoring in the Northern Virginia area near Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station, give our office a call at (703) 323-8200 or reach us online today. We can guide you through every step to rule out sleep apnea or to customize a treatment plan if you’re diagnosed with the sleep-breathing disorder.
