If you or your partner are among the millions of people who suffer from chronic snoring, it's time to take action. Snoring can have a major impact on your sleep quality, daytime energy levels, and even your overall health. Fortunately, there are effective solutions available.
According to Dr. Aja Gilmore Nichols, a leading expert in sleep dentistry, the most common causes of snoring are sleep apnea and an underdeveloped airway or jaw. "Tiredness, weight gain, and unfavorable sleeping positions can make things worse," she explains.
The good news is that there are ways to address the root cause of the problem. Dr. Nichols says the most effective treatment is oral appliance therapy, which can actually fix the structural issues causing the snoring. "This therapy is much less invasive than surgery, which is another option to correct the underlying anatomy," she notes.
Other snoring remedies include devices that pull the lower jaw forward, nasal strips, and CPAP machines. However, Dr. Nichols emphasizes that these treatments only manage the symptoms rather than solving the problem long-term.
When evaluating patients, Dr. Nichols takes a comprehensive approach. "I use home sleep screenings, 3D imaging of the jaws and airway, and digital dental scans to really understand what's going on," she says. "Then I work with each patient to find the right solution for their unique needs and goals."
Addressing snoring isn't just about finding relief for the person making the noise. It can have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of the snorer's sleeping partner as well. "Consistent lack of quality sleep can lead to a whole host of issues, from daytime fatigue to increased risk of health problems," Dr. Nichols warns.
She's excited about the advancements being made in snoring treatment, particularly the non-invasive oral appliances that can effectively treat even severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). "In many cases, we can essentially 'cure' the sleep apnea in 18-24 months with these appliances," she says. "That's life-changing for patients who don't want surgery or can't tolerate CPAP."
Dr. Nichols' advice for anyone struggling with snoring is to take it seriously and seek professional help. "Snoring is not normal and shouldn't be ignored," she stresses. "It could be a sign of an underlying health issue. The good news is, we have solutions that can dramatically improve your sleep and your quality of life."
So if snoring is keeping you or your partner from getting the rest you need, it's time to take action. With the right treatment approach, you can reclaim your sleep and your health.
Lifestyle Dentistry, Inc
3640 Highlands Parkway SE; Smyrna, GA, 30082
(678) 888-5895
lifestyledentistryatl.com