Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and other types of obstructive sleep apnea can be much more than just a nuisance; they can lead to a severe debilitation in your sleeping habits, as well as your overall health and relationships with others.

At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts, our Lawrenceville cosmetic dentists can help you reduce the effects of snoring and lower the risk of developing more severe physical and mental health problems that snoring can cause. We offer a variety of treatments that have proven effective at preventing airway obstruction for a more peaceful night’s sleep.

Contact our practice for more information on sleep dentistry and snoring treatment in the Lawrenceville and Central New Jersey region.

What Is Snoring?

Snoring happens when air moves through a narrow airway while you sleep. This makes the soft tissues in your throat vibrate, creating noise. The more blocked your airway is, the louder the snoring gets.

Snoring and sleep apnea are often linked. In sleep apnea, breathing stops for short periods during sleep, which can be dangerous. Snoring can also happen on its own due to several other reasons.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when airflow is blocked while you sleep. This causes your throat’s tissues to vibrate differently, creating a snoring sound. The narrower the airway, the louder the snoring.

Many things can cause this, including the shape of your mouth, allergies, a cold, your weight, or even how you sleep. Let’s break down the most common causes of snoring:

• Mouth anatomy: A thick, soft palate or long uvula can narrow the airway. Being overweight can add extra tissue to the throat and block airflow.
• Alcohol use: Drinking before bed relaxes the throat muscles too much. This increases the chance of snoring and sleep apnea.
• Nasal problems: A stuffy nose or a bent nasal septum can make breathing harder.
• Sleep position: Sleeping on your back makes snoring worse because gravity narrows the airway.
• Lack of sleep: Being overly tired also relaxes throat muscles, increasing vibration and snoring.

Wondering what causes snoring most often? It’s usually a mix of several of these factors.

Is Snoring Normal?

You might ask, is snoring normal? Light, occasional snoring may be harmless. But loud, frequent snoring—especially with other symptoms—is not. What causes snoring varies, but in many cases, it comes from blocked airways or relaxed throat muscles.

Snoring can be lead by sleeping on your back, alcohol use, or health conditions like sleep apnea. Is snoring bad? It can harm your health if it interrupts your breathing or sleep.

Is Snoring Bad for You?

You might ask, “Is snoring normal?” Light snoring every now and then might be harmless. However, frequent or loud snoring can indicate a bigger problem, like sleep apnea.

Is snoring bad? It can be. When snoring affects your sleep, your body doesn’t get enough rest. This can lead to:

• Trouble thinking clearly or remembering things
• Poor coordination and slower reactions
• Weakened immune system
• Higher obesity risks, high blood pressure, and diabetes
• Mood problems like depression or anxiety
• Lower energy and even sexual health issues
• Greater risk of heart attack or stroke

If you or someone you know snores often, don’t ignore it. Talk to a doctor about snoring and sleep apnea. Getting help can improve your sleep—and your overall health.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is nothing but a sleep disorder in which breathing stops or slows down while you sleep. There are two different types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

OSA is the most common type. It occurs when the tissue around the upper airway relaxes too much and blocks airflow. Your body briefly wakes up to reopen the airway and take a breath, which can happen many times every night.

People with OSA often don’t realize they wake up, but these sleep interruptions affect how rested they feel.

Symptoms of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be a common issue, but sometimes it’s a sign of something more serious like OSA. Not every person who snores has OSA, but if you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor:

• Pauses in normal breathing while sleeping (often noticed by someone else)
• Feeling very tired during the day
• Trouble focusing or thinking clearly
• Morning headaches
• Waking up with a sore throat
• Restless or poor-quality sleep
• Gasping or choking during the night
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night
• Loud snoring that disturbs your partner

Snoring can also lead to signs like poor attention, behavior problems, or lower school grades in children. Large tonsils or extra weight can cause this.

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea both involve blocked airflow during sleep. Snoring is a common sound caused by vibrating tissues in your throat as you breathe. It can be annoying but harmless in some cases.

However, if snoring is loud and frequent and paired with other issues like tiredness or choking sounds, it may point to sleep apnea symptoms. In OSA, breathing may stop for more than 10 seconds at a time, many times a night. This lowers oxygen levels and leads to daytime sleepiness.

When to See a Doctor?

Talk to a doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. These may be signs that your snoring is linked to obstructive sleep apnea. Getting checked early can help you avoid serious health problems.

If your child snores speak with their pediatrician. Kids can also have OSA. The causes of snoring in children often involve enlarged tonsils or weight issues, which narrow the airway.

How Can Dentistry Help with Snoring?

At Imagine Advanced Dental Arts, Dr. David Schor and Dr. Vivien Mesina have special training in sleep dentistry. They can help reduce snoring using simple and proven methods.

One of the most effective options is a custom-made oral appliance. This is like a night guard that you wear while sleeping. It helps keep your airway open by stopping the soft tissues from blocking airflow, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

Dental orthotics are small, easy to wear, and more comfortable than a CPAP machine. They are custom-fit for your mouth and work better than over-the-counter devices.

Many people ask, is snoring normal? While it may seem harmless, it can signal deeper issues. Some causes of snoring are sleep position, alcohol, and relaxed throat muscles. Our dentists will talk with you about what causes snoring in your case and help you make changes that improve your sleep.

Along with the device, we may suggest lifestyle changes. Things like avoiding alcohol before bed, changing your sleep position, or quitting smoking can also help. These changes can reduce snoring and improve your overall health.

If you’re wondering if snoring is bad, the answer is yes—especially if it affects your sleep or causes daytime tiredness. Snoring and sleep apnea can lead to serious health risks if left untreated.

Contact Imagine Advanced Dental Arts to set up a visit. We’ll explain your options and help you find the best solution for your snoring.

Risk Factors of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Some people are more likely to snore due to certain conditions or habits:

• Being overweight increases fat around the throat, making snoring worse.
• A narrow airway, large tonsils, or long soft palate can block airflow.
• Drinking alcohol relaxes throat muscles too much.
• Nasal congestion or a bent nasal passage increases the risk.
• A family history of snoring and sleep apnea also raises your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are snoring and sleep apnea the same?

No. Snoring is a sound, while sleep apnea is a medical condition. However, loud snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

Common signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and feeling tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes, kids can have sleep apnea too. It’s often linked to large tonsils or obesity in children.

Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?

Not always. Some people snore without having sleep apnea. But if it’s loud and comes with choking sounds or tiredness, check it.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Doctors usually suggest a sleep study. It checks your breathing, oxygen levels, and how often you stop breathing during sleep.

How can snoring and sleep apnea be treated?

Treatment can include weight loss, using a CPAP machine, surgery, or mouthpieces. Simple lifestyle changes also help in some cases.