Table of content
- Understanding Snoring Issue
- How Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring?
- Snore Guard (Night Guard)
- Benefits of Snore Mouth Guard
- Better Quality of Sleep
- Comfortable and Non-Invasive Solution
- Cost-Efficient Option
- Travel-Friendly Solution
- Selecting the Ideal Anti-Snore Mouth Guard
- Important Mouth Guard Features to Consider
- Tips for Ensuring Mouth Guard Effectiveness
- Alternative Solutions for Resolving Snoring
- When to See a Specialist
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
Snoring is simply not just noise; it’s an indication of airflow disruption during your sleep. It might compromise your health and affect others around you as well. According to a research study, snoring shares a strong connection to unchecked hypertension.
Introducing a mouthguard for snoring, an innovative, non-invasive, and simple solution to your snoring problems that improve your health as well. In this blog, we will be exploring what causes snoring and how mouth guard devices can help you overcome the issue. Let’s dig in!
Understanding Snoring Issue
To understand the issue of snoring, we must first understand its causes.
What Causes Snoring?
There could be various reasons behind your snoring issue. It might be related to a blocked throat, tissue relaxation during sleep, tongue obstructions, or a misaligned jaw. Many other factors, such as aging, alcohol consumption , obesity, hypertension, and sleep apnea, can contribute to snoring. These factors can lead to daytime fatigue and disruption in sleep cycles. Furthermore, snoring can affect your relationships, causing resentment and frustration among roommates or partners. However, certain lifestyle changes, such as weight management, breathing exercises, and sleeping positions, can help address the issue of snoring.
How Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring?
These dental devices work by repositioning your jaw or tongue to improve airway breathability. Furthermore, they relax throat muscles and reduce vibrations that can cause snoring problems.
Types of Mouth Guards for Snoring
There are various types of mouth guards available to help reduce snoring. These include:
- MAD (Mandibular Advancement Devices)
- TRD (Tongue Retaining Devices)
Mandibular Advancement Devices
These are also called splints or mandibular advancement appliances and are ideal for addressing OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) cases. MAD devices work by repositioning your jaw forward, which also moves your tongue, allowing for increased airflow through the throat. MAD devices are custom-fitted to your dental structure and consist of two parts. Certain hinges and rubber bands are attached to the top and bottom parts, making it easier to pull the lower jaw forward. Some also have separate arch designs. These jaw-repositioning devices vary in materials, design (one-piece or two-piece arches), size, jaw movability, and tightness.
Tongue-Stabilizing Devices
These are also known as tongue-retaining devices (TSDs). TSDs help with OSA by keeping your tongue in an external position using suction. These devices maintain your tongue's position during sleep. The suction device tips remain outside the mouth. Like MADs, these devices help maintain an open throat airway by positioning the base of the tongue forward. TSDs are not as popular as MADs, but they are ideal for patients with OSA or those who need an oral device but cannot use mandibular advancement devices. For example, patients with weak teeth who cannot use MADs might benefit from TSDs instead.
Snore Guard (Night Guard)
A snore guard, or mouthguard for snoring, is a type of MAD dental device that also helps with nighttime teeth bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding). It keeps your jaw aligned to reduce TMJ-related issues and keeps the throat and airway open, reducing snoring. These devices are custom-made and act as a comfortable pillow for your jaw. Snore guards provide a snug fit and keep your throat airway open by aligning your tongue and jaw. As a result, your throat muscles relax, allowing you to enjoy snore-free nights.
Benefits of Snore Mouth Guard
You can enjoy several benefits from using these devices, including:
Better Quality of Sleep
Using these dental devices helps secure a better night's sleep. This results in more energy as you wake up feeling well-rested. Moreover, your partner does not have to endure nighttime disturbances or sneak away.
Comfortable and Non-Invasive Solution
A snore guard provides an easy solution for snoring without resorting to complex options like surgery, TRDs, or CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines. You can simply order a snore guard from leading orthodontic suppliers like ALIGNERCO and have it delivered to your home. This process saves time and resources without requiring medical or dental consultations, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Cost-Efficient Option
An anti-snoring mouth guard is an economical solution compared to CPAP machines or surgical treatments. It improves sleep quality, reduces headaches and snoring, and enhances airflow for easier breathing, ensuring a restful night.
Travel-Friendly Solution
Anti-snore mouth guards are portable and sturdy, making them ideal for travel. Made from high-quality materials, they ensure an irritation-free experience wherever you go.
Selecting the Ideal Anti-Snore Mouth Guard
Choosing the right anti-snoring mouth guard can be a challenge. Factors to consider include:
Custom vs Generic
While generic over-the-counter mouth guards are readily available, custom night guards are crafted from superior materials and tailored to fit your dental structure. They ensure comfort and irritation-free use, preventing snoring for you and your partner.
Important Mouth Guard Features to Consider
Key features to look for in an anti-snore mouth guard include:
Materials
Opt for medical-grade, BPA-free materials to avoid allergic reactions.
Usage Comfort
Choose a mouth guard that fits comfortably and does not cause irritation during the night.
Adjustability
Look for adjustable devices that align your jaws and offer flexibility for added convenience.
Easy Maintenance
Select mouth guards with easy-to-clean designs. Use a UV ultrasonic cleaner or an all-purpose cleaning solution for proper sanitization.
Tips for Ensuring Mouth Guard Effectiveness
Enhance the effectiveness of your mouth guard with these tips:
- Follow the instructions provided by your dentist or orthodontist.
- Ensure the device fits snugly without feeling too tight or uncomfortable.
- Clean the device regularly using a suitable cleaning solution or warm water with a soft toothbrush.
- Store the mouth guard in a secure, well-ventilated case to prevent bacterial buildup.
Lifestyle Changes for Resolving Snoring
Adopt these lifestyle changes to help reduce snoring:
- Lose weight to reduce throat/neck muscle tissue that obstructs the airway during sleep.
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol intake before bedtime.
- Optimize your sleep environment with darkness and minimal distractions.
- Sleep on your side and consider using wedge or body-shaped pillows for support.
Alternative Solutions for Resolving Snoring
Consider these alternative options to address snoring:
Nasal Strip
Nasal strips improve airflow by widening your nostrils, allowing easier breathing during sleep.
Anti-Snoring Pillow
Specialized pillows keep your neck and head in an optimal position, improving airflow and reducing snoring. Combining these with an anti-snoring device enhances their effectiveness.
Chin Strip
Chin straps keep your mouth closed during sleep, reducing snoring and ensuring quieter nights for you and your partner.
When to See a Specialist
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Loud gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
- If you wake up gasping for air.
- Persistent fatigue despite a full night's sleep.
In such cases, consult a certified doctor or sleep specialist. A sleep study can help diagnose and treat sleep-related disorders effectively.
Wrapping Up
Securing a high-quality mouthguard for snoring is only part of solving your snoring issue. You need to tackle the issue by adopting certain lifestyle options and getting used to better sleep hygiene habits.
Good sleep hygiene practices and securing a calm environment are crucial for establishing ideal, peaceful, nighttime sleep. However, achieving a better night's rest requires a multi-purpose approach; with some commitment and experimentation, you can choose what works for you.
FAQs
Do mouthguards for snoring work?
Yes, these devices are specially tailored to reduce or eliminate snoring by promoting nasal airflow. As a result, you attain a peaceful night's sleep and wake up without any headaches.
Does sleeping with a mouthguard stop snoring?
It depends on the type of mouth guard you choose, as certain night guard devices are tailored to help you with teeth grinding during your sleep while others are designed for sports. These devices also eliminate snoring as they address OSA as well.
What are the side effects of an anti-snoring mouthpiece?
You can experience certain common side effects like jaw pain, extra saliva or spit, gum irritation, or dry mouth.
