Snoring Causes, Sleep Apnea and Treatment Options
Understand the Causes of Snoring and How iHeart Smiles Can Help
Why Do I Snore or Stop Breathing During Sleep?
Snoring is a common sleep concern that can range from mild and occasional to loud and disruptive. While snoring is often caused by airway obstruction during sleep, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, or OSAS. This occurs when airflow is repeatedly reduced or stopped while sleeping, causing interrupted breathing and poor sleep quality.
Many people are unaware they have sleep apnea, as symptoms occur during sleep. Loud snoring, gasping for air, daytime fatigue, headaches and poor concentration are common warning signs. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and ongoing exhaustion.
At iHeart Smiles, we work closely with sleep professionals to help identify snoring causes and manage sleep apnea. With tailored oral appliances and ongoing care, we support better airflow, improved sleep and long term health outcomes.
Common Reasons for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring and sleep apnea often develop due to a combination of physical, lifestyle and genetic factors. Changes in airway shape, muscle relaxation during sleep and underlying health conditions can all contribute to airway obstruction. Understanding what causes snoring helps determine whether the issue is simple snoring or related to sleep apnea.
Early identification allows for appropriate treatment to reduce snoring, improve sleep quality and prevent long term health risks associated with untreated OSAS.
How to Stop Snoring and Treat Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral health therapy offers a simple yet powerful solution for a range of dental and sleep concerns. We often recommend custom devices for patients dealing with bruxism, jaw pain, clenching, snoring, and mild sleep apnoea. These oral appliances are worn during sleep to support the jaw and airway, ease muscle tension, and protect against the damage caused by grinding and a worn smile.
Ortho Aligners & Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are an excellent choice for patients with mild to moderate misalignment, crowding, or crooked teeth. For many, the issue is orthodontic relapse - where teeth have shifted over time due to not wearing an orthodontic retainer after previous treatment. For others, it may be their first time seeking orthodontic care, often younger adults or teens who prefer a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Sometimes, the best next step isn’t a treatment or product — it’s a professional clean. If the services or solutions we discuss aren’t quite what your smile needs right now, we may recommend a dental cleaning instead. A professional clean helps remove built-up plaque and tartar, supports gum health, and creates a healthier foundation before moving forward with any other dental care.
What to Do If Snoring or Sleep Apnea Is Affecting Your Sleep
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of snoring or sleep apnea. Mild snoring may improve with lifestyle changes such as sleep position, weight management or reducing alcohol intake. Sleep apnea usually requires targeted intervention to keep the airway open during sleep and support consistent, uninterrupted breathing.
How to Prevent Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Preventing snoring involves maintaining healthy airway function and reducing factors that contribute to obstruction. Simple daily habits and early intervention can reduce symptoms and improve long term sleep health.
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47 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Suite 5B/2431 Gold Coast Hwy Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218
FAQs About Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Everything you need to know before seeking treatment
Snoring is caused by restricted airflow when throat muscles relax during sleep. Factors such as jaw position, nasal congestion, alcohol use, excess weight and airway shape can all contribute. In some cases, snoring is linked to sleep apnea.
Stopping snoring depends on the cause. Lifestyle changes, dental sleep appliances, and managing airway obstruction can help. Persistent snoring may require professional assessment to rule out sleep apnea and determine the most effective treatment.
Sleep apnea can run in families due to inherited jaw shape, airway size or facial structure. While genetics may increase risk, lifestyle factors such as weight, sleep habits and alcohol use also play a major role in its development.
Snoring may indicate sleep apnea if it is loud, frequent and combined with breathing pauses, gasping, daytime fatigue or headaches. A sleep study is required to confirm diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment options.
Effective snoring cures depend on the underlying cause. Dental appliances, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can significantly reduce snoring. A personalised treatment plan offers the best long term improvement in sleep quality.
Yes, iHeart Smiles accepts all major health funds. We work directly with your health insurance provider to ensure your claims are processed efficiently. If you have any questions about coverage or need assistance with claims, please feel free to contact us at info@iheartsmiles.com.au or call (07) 5523 1666.
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