Snoring is a very common issue, but it’s more than just a noisy nuisance.  Snoring can often be a warning sign of underlying dental and respiratory issues, particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). While snoring originates in the throat, it is often significantly influenced by the position of your jaw, tongue, soft tissues.  These are areas where your North Canton Dentist holds expertise.  At Christina Brinda DDS in North Canton, Dr. Christina Brinda and her team assess the causes of your snoring and provide effective dental solutions to help you and your partner sleep soundly and safely.

What Causes Snoring and the Dental Connection?

Snoring occurs when air struggles to move freely through the nose and throat during sleep. This difficulty causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate. This actually generates the characteristic sound. Several dental and anatomical factors contribute to this restricted airflow.

Relaxed Throat and Tongue Muscles

During deep sleep, the muscles supporting your tongue and soft palate relax excessively. This relaxation allows the tongue and soft palate to collapse backward.  This partially blocks the airway.

Jaw Position – Receded Jaw

If your lower jaw naturally rests slightly further back than normal, it pushes the base of the tongue further into the throat, causing an obstruction.  This is a condition called retrognathia.

Narrow Airway

The shape and size of your natural airway, often linked to your craniofacial structure.  Depending on this structure it can make you predisposed to snoring.

Missing Teeth/Denture Issues

While not a direct cause, ill fitting or missing dentures can sometimes subtly alter the resting position of the jaw and change muscle tone, which can influence airway stability.

Snoring vs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

It is crucial to distinguish between simple snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). While simple snoring is just loud breathing, OSA is a serious medical condition where breathing actually stops repeatedly for ten seconds or more during the night.

  • OSA causes severe fatigue, high blood pressure and strain on the heart.
  • If Dr. Christina Brinda suspects your snoring is related to OSA, she will recommend a formal sleep study and collaborate with your physician or a sleep specialist to ensure you receive a comprehensive diagnosis.

Dental Treatments for Snoring

For patients with simple to moderate snoring, or mild to moderate OSA, a custom-fitted oral appliance from your North Canton Dentist is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment. These devices are worn only at night.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

This is the most common and effective type of device we use. A MAD looks similar to a mouthguard and works by gently holding the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward. This subtle forward position prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward, effectively opening the airway and eliminating or significantly reducing snoring.

Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs)

These appliances hold the tongue in a forward position using suction which keeps your airway clear.

Unlike over the counter devices, a custom MAD made by Dr. Christina Brinda ensures maximum comfort.  With that comfort we also aim to maintain the correct alignment of your bite and provides the necessary clinical effectiveness to treat your snoring.

Best Dentist in North Canton Ohio

Consult Your North Canton Dentist

If snoring impacts your sleep quality or your partner’s rest, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Christina Brinda. She performs a thorough intraoral examination where she assesses your anatomy. After the exam she will discuss your symptoms to determine if a custom oral appliance is the right solution for you. Treating snoring not only restores quiet sleep but also significantly improves your daytime energy and overall health.

📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.