Not always. Snoring can occur on its own, but if it is loud, frequent and accompanied by choking sounds, daytime tiredness or pauses in breathing, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and should be assessed.
Other signs that may point to OSA include:
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed
- Daytime tiredness or trouble concentrating
- A partner noticing pauses in your breathing during sleep
Risk factors can include large tonsils or adenoids, a narrow jaw, being overweight, jaw or airway anatomy issues and a family history of sleep apnoea.
OSA is confirmed with a sleep study. If you have OSA, we can assess whether a custom mandibular advancement splint is suitable for you based on your sleep study results, jaw structure and OSA severity. Learn more about OSA treatment at Be Well Dental.