If snoring is keeping you awake at night, we can help. Our anti-snoring treatments can help to improve breathing while you sleep, reducing noise and ensuring everyone enjoys a good night’s sleep.
What causes snoring and how can I stop?
The noise of snoring is caused by the soft tissue at the back of the mouth and in the throat vibrating. The most common risk factors for snoring include:
being overweight
having a large neck circumference
smoking
sleeping on your back
taking certain forms of medication, including sleeping pills
drinking alcohol.
Sometimes, people also find that they snore when they have an illness that affects their breathing, such as a cough or cold.
If you snore occasionally, there’s probably nothing to worry about and you won’t need to seek advice. But if snoring is a persistent problem, it’s a good idea to see your GP or come and see us. Disturbed nights of sleep can soon make you feel drowsy and lethargic during the day and in the long-term, you may be at risk of stress, anxiety, depression and increased susceptibility to illnesses and infections.
There are some very simple steps you can take to stop snoring, including:
changing your sleeping position (sleeping on your side is preferable to sleeping on your back)
avoiding alcohol during the evenings
exercising on a regular basis
avoiding sleeping pills
Giving up smoking is also hugely beneficial for snorers. However, we recognise that this is a difficult process and are here to help and support you.
We are also able to provide custom-designed bite guards made by Somnowell. Somnowell products are tried and tested and have been developed based on years of research. Mandibular advancement devices have been proven to be very effective for people who snore on a regular basis. These devices are designed to improve breathing and increase air flow by holding the lower jaw in a forward position while you sleep.
If you need help for snoring, call now and arrange a consultation!
Snoring is often a problem people joke about, but it can actually have a very negative impact on a person’s life. Snoring increases the risk of interrupted sleep patterns, which can affect mood, energy levels and concentration. It often has a knock-on effect on others in the household. If you’re worried about snoring, or snoring is causing strain on your relationships or creating problems at work, we have the solutions to help you sleep peacefully all year round.
Why do we snore?
Snoring is very common and most people snore every now and then. Often, snoring is linked to sleeping position, allergies and illnesses (such as coughs and colds). Sometimes, however, it can indicate that the body is struggling to get sufficient oxygen. If you snore on a regular basis, it is advisable to seek help to enable you and the people around you to enjoy peaceful nights of sleep.
The most common risk factors for snoring include: drinking alcohol, smoking, obesity, allergies and lying on your back can also increase the risk of snoring.
What can be done for snoring?
Often, adapting sleeping position can help with snoring, but if snoring persists or you snore on a regular basis no matter which position you sleep in, other steps may be recommended. In many cases, lifestyle changes can make a significant difference and it’s advisable to try and adapt a healthier lifestyle if you are overweight, you smoke or you drink more than recommended daily intake of alcohol. Losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake and doing more exercise can all help with snoring.
We are also able to provide custom-designed anti-snoring appliances such as Somnowell, that help to increase air flow while you sleep. Somnowell appliances work by moving the jaw forward slightly, which helps to keep the airway open. Treatment can also be beneficial for people who suffer with sleep apnoea and tooth grinding.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry