Snoring is a common issue faced by several people, and yet, these they are often teased or made fun of in public due to their snoring. It can also be bothersome for a partner as snores are loud and non-melodic sounds. However, it is essential to understand that reasons like lifestyle, stress, blocked nostrils, or breathing disorders could be the real reason for an individual’s snoring habit.
Snoring is produced by vibrating tissues inside the airways of the nose and throat. Turbulent airflow through narrowed airways produces the vibration and leads to snoring. Snoring can be due to a person’s sleeping position, use of medications, and alcohol. Habitual snorers can also have specific issues like obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea creates several problems like an extended interruption in breathing, and this interruption can last for more than 10 seconds.
Many products are available in the market to deal with snoring, and one of the best and easiest methods to stop snoring is using a mouthpiece. These dentist-designed devices take into account the structure of your mouth and help with reducing snoring. Some studies have shown a remarkable decline in snoring if the individual wears the device correctly, and if it fits well.
Why should one opt for anti-snoring devices?
No matter how uncomfortable the option sounds, many chronic and loud snorers have reported relief after using the device. Widely known as mandibular advancement devices, oral mouthpieces to stop snoring are designed to counteract the natural inclination of your tongue to slide to the back of your mouth and your jaw to relax. Both of these factors obstruct the airways which can worsen the problem of snoring.
How does the device work?
A dentist usually fits these anti-snoring oral mouthpieces, and particular things are taken into consideration while designing the device. They help in:
- Stabilizing your jaw if you have a receding jaw
- Pushing the jaw slightly forward to open the airway naturally
- The device presses on to your tongue so that it doesn’t fall to the back of your throat and obstruct your breathing
- Ensuring that the soft palate tissue does not impede the passageway
Risks and side effects of oral anti-snoring devices
Mouthpieces to stop snoring are designed to exert a subtle force on your jaw, and subsequently teeth. Doctors usually recommend the patients to get the mouthpiece fitted by a dentist who can create it as per your jawline and provide you with the perfect fit according to the shape of your teeth. However, there are some side effects to using these night-time mouthguards, though none of them are known to cause severe damage. Some of these side-effects are:
- One might find it uncomfortable in the initial stages of fitting
- The device might pop-off your teeth and be uncontrollable
- Many patients complain about excess saliva. However, this reduces when the person gets accustomed to the device.
Subsequent dentist visits are recommended to check for adjustments to the device. Currently, oral anti-snoring mouthpieces prescribed by a dentist or doctor, fitted by a dentist or doctor, are FDA approved and can be sold legally as oral appliances to get relief from snoring.
As per a study, 45% of adults snore at least occasionally or know people with this habit. One can use over-the-counter sprays and pills to deal with this problem. However, it is best to consult your doctor before switching to any of these options. If you are uncomfortable using anti-snoring devices, you can always opt for other solutions and lifestyle changes like:
- Change your sleep position
Avoid sleeping or resting with your back touching the bed as this makes your tongue and soft palate collapse to the back wall of your throat, causing snoring. - Weight loss
There isn’t a lot of scientific evidence which proves that weight gain causes snoring. However, if your snoring problem started after you gained a few pounds, then the answer probably lies in losing weight. Weight gain, especially in the areas around your neck, squeezes the throat, making it more likely to collapse during sleep, triggering snores. - Avoid alcohol
Alcohol and sedatives are known to reduce the resting tone of the muscles in the back of your throat, making you more prone to snoring. - Good sleep hygiene
Poor sleep quality, habits, and poor lifestyle can be some of the reasons for snoring as over exaggeration causes muscles to become floppy, leading to a snoring habit. - Open nasal passages
Keep your nasal passage clean and open to avoid snoring. A hot shower before heading to bed and cleansing your nostrils with salt water can help open up the nasal passages.
One can choose from multiple options to treat snoring. However, the best remedy to stop snoring suggested by doctors and dentists is using a mouthpiece. It is convenient to use, comfortable to carry around and you don’t have to worry about remembering any details to use it. Just fix the device on to your teeth and enjoy a good night’s rest.
