What causes snoring and how to stop it!

What causes snoring? During sleep the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax making the breathing airway smaller. This decrease in the airway space increases the velocity of air flowing through the airway during breathing. As the velocity of required air is increased in the constricted space, soft tissue, like the soft palate and the uvula, vibrate. The vibrations of these soft tissues in the mouth and throat result in what is called “loud raspy breathing” or snoring. It should also be noted that sleep studies have shown that excess body weight, heavy alcohol consumption and other sedatives have been shown to increase the severity of snoring.

It is estimated that more than 90 million people in North America snore*. Spouses and children are often repeatedly disturbed during their sleep cycles by a snoring family member which can lead to tension and animosity! Snoring can kill you! “When a person with sleep Apnea falls asleep, their tongue fall back into their throat, blocking the airway”, Dr. John Kazanowski, an expert in sleep dentistry said in a treatment. “As they struggle the blood pressure elevate. This increase in blood pressure damages the lining of arteries”. Dr. Kaz states, “Cholesterol and calcium deposits then stick to the injury sites and form plaques which could block blood flow to the brain. The result is often a massive stroke”! Fortunately now with the use of jaw repositioning appliances, Dr. Kazanowski can now provide most people with cost effective relief.

At certain levels of severity, complete blockage of the airway space by the soft tissue and the tongue can occur. If the period of asphyxiation lasts longer than 10 seconds this is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA can be a serious medical condition and your dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist. For a majority of snorers however, the most affordable, non invasive, comfortable and effective snoring solution remains an oral snoring device prescribed by a dentist. For further information contact: Dr. John Kazanowski at 248-433-6000 or drkaz@drkazdds.com.


*Young T, Palta metal, The occurrence of sleep disordered breathing among middle aged adults. New England Journal Of Medicine 328 (17); pp. 1230-5, 1993