How Dentists Help with Snoring Prevention?

Snoring is one of the most underrated sleep problems. Most people think it’s normal to snore. However, snoring could indicate serious underlying issues and cause fatigue. Loud snoring is a key symptom of sleep apnea.

Loud Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where someone’s breathing stops briefly and begins during sleep. It mainly happens when the throat muscles relax too much when asleep, blocking the airway partially or entirely. As the body tries to force airflow through the relaxed tissues, it causes the tissues to vibrate, causing a harsh or hoarse sound, which we call snoring.

Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea. However, it can cause other problems and be a nuisance to your sleep partner. Snoring could indicate nose and throat problems like obesity and enlarged tonsils in children. We offer snoring appliance therapy in Lexington, MA.

Causes of Snoring

Common reasons for restricted airflow through the nose and mouth include:

• Narrowed nasal passages: People with issues like nasal polyps or deviated septum tend to snore frequently. Snoring is more evident when sick or exposed to allergies.
• Genetic factors: Some people naturally have excess tissues around their airways, causing a restricted passageway and snoring.
• Enlarged tissues: Enlarged adenoids or tonsils increase the risk of airway obstruction.
• Lack of muscle tone: Poor muscle tone can cause the tongue and throat muscles to relax too much during sleep, obstructing the airway and causing snoring. The condition is often associated with excessive alcohol use and drug abuse.
• Excess body weight: Overweight or obese people have bulky tissues around the airway and throat, which can result in snoring.
• Poor sleep positions: Sleeping on the back allows your tongue to fall back, blocking the airway and causing snoring.

How a Dentist Can Help with Snoring Prevention and Treatment

Good news! Your dentist can help you prevent and treat snoring with the following things:

Lifestyle changes

If you only have mild snoring symptoms, your dentist can recommend non-medicinal solutions such as:

• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
• Sleep on your side. It reduces the risk of your tongue falling back, keeping your airway open and preventing snoring.
• Keep your head elevated when sleeping.
• Use nasal strips or dilators to treat nasal congestion.
• Limit or avoid sedatives and alcohol, especially before bed.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Get enough sleep.

Oral Appliances Therapy

If you snore too regularly, the dentist can recommend wearing an oral device to prevent airway obstruction and snoring.

An oral appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that helps position your jaw, soft palate, and tongue to keep the airway open to prevent snoring. These can include snore guards and tongue-retaining devices.

A Snore Guard

A snore guard is like a sports mouth guard that fits snugly over the teeth. They keep your lower jaw forward, preventing the soft palate from obstructing the airway. They also keep the tongue away from the throat. A snore guard can also help prevent sleep apnea and teeth grinding and clenching.

When considering a snore guard, it’s essential to work with your dentist to optimize the efficiency and fit of the appliance. You can also purchase one in a drugstore without a prescription.

Custom vs. Generic Snore Guard. Which is Better?

There are many versions of generic stock and boil-and-bite snore guards in drugstores. While cheap and easily accessible, it’s difficult to fit properly, which can be uncomfortable or inefficient.

Similarly, these guards tend to be bulkier, which can cause difficulties speaking and breathing, potentially worsening your symptoms. Additionally, most generic guards are made from low-quality materials, which is not good for you.

Alternatively, you can get a custom-made snore guard from your dentist. Custom snore guards are made according to your specific mouth structure, meaning they fit snugly over the teeth without causing pain.

Similarly, they are sleeker and better quality than generic guards, making them more comfortable, efficient, and durable at preventing snoring. Custom snore guards generally provide excellent efficiency, comfort, and durability, which is very hard to find with a pre-made guard. Visit our office for custom snore guards in Lexington, MA.

Other Options

If snoring is associated with serious sleep disorders like sleep apnea, your dentist can recommend other options like Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or airway surgery.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information about snoring and oral appliance therapy? Contact Lexington Dental Group to speak with our dentist near you.