Snoring Treatment Options

Does your snoring keep your partner awake at night? Snoring can be more than an obnoxious sound, as severe snoring may be a sign of a more serious oral health issue. Fortunately, many snoring problems can be treated. At DC Smile Studio, we care about helping our patients get a good night’s sleep because getting enough sleep is often linked to having excellent oral and overall health.

WHY CAN SNORING BE PROBLEMATIC?

Severe snoring that frequently disrupts sleep may be a symptom of sleep apnea, a disorder that affects breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea cases are divided into three categories:

Central sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea
Complex sleep apnea syndrome

The effects of sleep apnea can range from irritating to potentially dangerous. Patients with minor forms of sleep apnea may have difficulty sleeping, while those with more severe cases may experience severe breathing problems at night.

WHY DO I SNORE SO MUCH?

While many people snore from time to time, there are several risk factors for severe snoring. Individuals may be at risk for a problematic level of snoring if they:

Smoke or drink excessively
Are obese
Are pregnant
Have passed menopause
Men are also more likely to develop snoring problems than women

HOW IS SLEEP APNEA DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?

If you feel that your snoring has become problematic, it may be time to talk to your dentist about being tested for sleep apnea. The condition is diagnosed through a sleep study, which may be done at home or at a sleep center.

Most cases of sleep apnea can easily be treated. Some common treatment options include:

Oral appliance therapy, which keeps airways open while sleeping to minimize snoring
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or minimizing alcohol consumption
Sleeping on your side instead of on your back

Our Washington, D.C. dentists care about helping our patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, which begins with getting a good night’s sleep. Contact DC Smile Studio today to learn more about snoring or to schedule a consultation!

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? WE'D LOVE TO HELP YOU

Patient Reviews

We care about the opinion of our clients.

★★★★★

"I enjoy visiting DC Smile Studio because I feel well taken care of. Dr Avila-Gnau is a role model. I really follow her guidelines because she’s the best and she leads by example. Her staff is very thorough and dedicated."

- Beatriz J.

★★★★★

"Excellent hospitality and competent service all around.

The hygienist left me feeling that my teeth have never been cleaner!

Dr. Avila-Gnau was knowledgeable, professional with a warm presence in the exam room."

- Michael D.

★★★★★

"Our family has been seeing Dr. lievano and now Dr. Avila-Gnau for over 20 years for all our dental needs from routine checkups to root canals. Their team is caring, friendly and professional and they don’t crowd their calendars so you get in and out in a timely fashion. The best part of their practice is they are sensitive to fears and pain and emphasize comfort and humor and encourage you to relax during each visit. Our son started going at 4 years old and he has only had positive experiences. I recommend them very highly for anyone seeking a warm and welcoming dental office!"

- Kamil C.

★★★★★

"I am very happily impressed with Dr. Avila-Gnau and her office. Her professionalism, approach, and interaction with patient is excellent. She is thorough, careful, communicates well, ensures patient comfort, has state-of-the-art technology, and makes the entire dental visit as pleasant as can be expected. As a bonus, there is plenty of parking for her office. Overall, I highly recommend her."

- Caroline A.