Snoring Treatment in Coeur d’Alene, ID

You’ve probably heard someone snore at some point in your life. Perhaps you even share a home with a habitual snorer. This harsh sound occurs when air moves past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate with each breath. Almost everyone snores on occasion, but chronic snoring can be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition like sleep apnea. Snoring can also prevent your partner from getting a good night’s sleep and create tension in relationships.

Snoring happens when the muscles on the roof of your mouth relax and vibrate as air flows past them. It’s normal for these muscles to relax when you sleep, but snoring occurs when these tissues partially block your airway. The more narrow your airway becomes, the louder you snore.

Many factors can affect your airway and cause snoring, including:

• The natural shape of your mouth
• Being overweight
• Alcohol consumption
• Sinus and nasal problems, such as allergies or a cold
• Sleeping on your back
• Sleep deprivation

Loud and persistent snoring may be a sign of a serious medical condition called sleep apnea.

Snoring doesn’t necessarily mean you have sleep apnea. You should schedule a  consultation at Northwest Snoring Center if your snoring occurs with any of the following symptoms:

• Restless sleep
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Gasping or choking at night
• Pauses in breathing during sleep witnessed by another person
• Sore throat upon waking
• Chest pain at night
• High blood pressure

As a Qualified Dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and a diplomate with the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, Dr. Johnson has particular expertise in treating sleep apnea.

First, Dr. Johnson reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam to determine the underlying cause of your snoring. Then, he recommends the best treatment for your specific condition. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for snoring accompanied by sleep apnea. CPAP involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, which many people find uncomfortable. Dr. Johnson founded Northwest Snoring Center to offer effective, comfortable alternatives to CPAP, including oral appliances that keep your airway open while you sleep. To learn more about treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea, call the friendly staff at Northwest Snoring Center or book your consultation online today.