Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Rockville, MD

Snoring is the most physically noticeable symptom of sleep apnea. While most patients with sleep apnea will snore, not all those who snore have sleep apnea, making it important to determine the cause of your snoring and receive the appropriate treatment. When you visit Chetan Parikh, DMD, MDS, DABCDSM, our caring dentist will provide treatments for snoring, and will work with you to determine if your snoring is a sign of sleep apnea or of a less serious problem. Please contact our office today to learn more about snoring treatments in Rockville, Maryland, and schedule your consultation with Dr. Chetan Parikh.

Why Do I Snore?

About 37 million Americans snore regularly. You may snore for any number of reasons, however snoring often occurs because the soft tissues in the throat and the soft palate vibrate due to airway restriction. Tissues that may vibrate include:

• Tongue
• Soft palate
• Uvula
• Tonsils
• Adenoids
• Excessive fatty tissues in the throat

You may also snore as a result of the position in which you sleep, or a cold or other illness. If you snore regularly, we recommend that you visit our dentist for a consultation. Dr. Chetan Parikh is specially trained to treat snoring, and will help you determine whether or not you snore as a result of sleep apnea.

Effect on Partners

Often, the person most affected by your snoring is not you, but your partner. Snoring can prevent one’s partner from falling and staying asleep. In fact, a snorer wakes their partner an average of 20 times every night. Poor sleep, regardless of cause, can contribute to:

• Depression
• Weight gain
• Skin aging
• Spousal disagreements
• Marital dissatisfaction

If your partner has noticed consistent snoring when you sleep, don’t make them put up with it. We can help you both sleep easier at night with a variety of treatments and therapies. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Snoring Treatment

The treatment you receive for snoring will depend on why you snore. Patients who snore as a result of sleep apnea will need to receive a treatment focused more on sleep apnea as opposed to simple snoring. For example, an oral device to treat or mask snoring may not provide the best results for a patient with obstructive sleep apnea. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist at Chetan Parikh, DMD, MDS, DABCDSM to determine the cause of your snoring and receive an appropriate treatment.