Snoring is a common condition
Snoring is an audible noise that’s created when the soft tissues at the back of someone’s mouth vibrate as they breathe in and out while they sleep. Usually, snoring happens because those tissues are partially blocking off the airway and obstructing the flow of oxygen.

Which tissues are we talking about, exactly? Depending on the shape and size of your oral anatomy, it may be things like enlarged tonsils, a low soft palate, extended uvula (the tissue that hangs down the middle of the back of your mouth) and tongue.

While not much can be done for the size of a person’s tongue, steps can be taken to address the size of the other tissues that are interfering with air flow.

People who snore may find that their symptoms come and go, or that they only snore if they’re extremely tired or after they’ve drunk a couple of alcoholic beverages. But snoring is just one warning sign of more significant sleep problems. 

Being aware of other symptoms alongside of snoring can help you intercept more serious medical issues, such as sleep apnea.

For example, if you wake up in the morning with a migraine, headache, or sore jaws, it could be that you’re clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep. Our Snoring Laser Care dentists may notice excessive wear on the chewing surfaces, along with chipping or fractured enamel. If so, there’s a significantly high chance that you have a form of sleep apnea. 

Do you struggle with constant fatigue, weight gain, or depression? All of these conditions are also linked with sleep disordered breathing. Your snoring may simply be the only noticeable symptom that you pick up on. In reality, it could be a huge factor in how you’re physically feeling throughout the day. 

When you’re sleep-deprived, your body tends to suffer. You may have high blood pressure, low energy levels, or even risk falling asleep throughout the day, posing dangerous situations (especially if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery on the job.) 

Snoring is one of the most noticeable signs of sleep disordered breathing. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) frequently cause snoring, among other symptoms. 

If you snore, you owe it to yourself to get screened for sleep apnea. Studies have shown that snoring presents a bigger risk factor for stroke and cardiac arrest than smoking, being overweight, and having high cholesterol. While being a snorer may not always adversely affect the sufferer, it’s usually those around them who experience sleep disturbance caused by snoring.

Left untreated, OSA can significantly raise your risk of heart attack and other medical emergencies. By reducing strain to your cardiovascular system through improved sleep quality, you can enhance your overall wellness. 

Although it can seem embarrassing and a nuisance when your partner mentions your snoring, we advise that you take the warnings seriously. Your life could depend on it. 

At Snoring Laser Care, we offer minimally invasive laser snoring treatment in the form of Nightlase. Using gentle, state-of-the-art technology, we can treat snoring by reducing the size of obstructive tissues and naturally enlarge your airway, allowing you to breathe easier when you go to sleep at night. No need for snoring aids to stop snoring.

If your partner complains about your snoring — or it’s bad enough to wake yourself up at night — schedule a sleep dentistry consultation at one of our conveniently located Practice in Mackay and Moranbah to see how you can reduce your snoring.