Subject: FW: SNORING

WHAT IS SNORING?

Snoring occurs as we progressively go from light to deeper sleep, and the muscles of the palate, tongue, and throat relax so that the tongue and palate can vibrate against the throat as we breathe in and out. More than one-third of adults snore, and the sounds can be a problem when they are loud enough to prevent the sleep of others, sometimes to the point of causing many couples to sleep apart and causing strained relationships.

CAUSES

The occurrence of snoring usually relates to the inherited anatomic features of the tissues including the sizes and positioning of the jaws, tongue, palate, uvula, tonsils, adenoids, and throat. If these structures are so arranged that the tongue and palate can relax far enough backward, then the airway narrows to cause more forceful air flow and the loud snoring noises. Other factors that can contribute to snoring include anatomic or congestive nasal obstruction, weight, and anything that affects the degree of muscular relaxation such as medications or alcohol.

From a health aspect, persistent snoring can be an indicator of a serious medical problem called sleep apnea when the loud sounds stop for ten seconds or more due to blockage of the airway

SELF HELP

1. Lose weight. Being overweight can cause throat tissues to enlarge and they are more likely to vibrate as you breathe. Also, the airway space is narrowed.

2. Sleep on your side to minimize the backward motion of your tongue.

3. Nasal strips or decongestants can allow for easier and better airflow.

4. Limit anything that might contribute to the amount of muscle relaxation such as sedative medications and alcohol.

TREATMENT

Consult your physician. The primary recommendations are likely to include the Self Help steps listed on this website. If these recommendations did not help, then professional treatment options include:

1.. Oral appliances. Custom made and fitted appliances are the simplest and most comfortable way to hold the lower jaw, tongue, and palate in a slightly forward position to keeps the airway open. Only your doctor can provide a fully adjustable device to optimize the reduction or elimination of snoring.

2.. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This utilizes an air pressure machine with a hose connected to a nose or face mask to keep the airway open as you sleep. Although CPAP is one of the preferred methods of treating Sleep Apnea, most patients find it uncomfortable as a treatment for snoring and regular use for is difficult.

3.. Surgery. Numerous surgical approaches have been developed, and the most common procedures are designed to increase air flow by correcting nasal, adenoid, or tonsil abnormalities. Most other surgery is designed to either remove some of the back of the palate or to advance the lower jaw. Unfortunately the benefit of any of these surgeries is unpredictable and even the most optimistic success estimates do not reach 50%. No one treatment is effective for every patient, and if Self Help doesn t work� then the best course can only be determined by your physician after a full history and examination to determine the causes and best therapeutic approach.

MORE INFORMATION

www.endsnore.com

www.mayoclinic.com/health/snoring

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/snoring

Family DentistryDavid L. Burns D.D.S.4616 West Jefferson Blvd.Fort Wayne, IN 46804260-432-8596e-mail: drdlburns@comcast.netweb: www.davidlburnsdds.com