Snoring Prevention
If you have trouble with nighttime snoring, you aren’t alone. An estimated 45% of all American adults snore, disrupting their sleep and the sleep of the people they love. Although it might seem like a harmless quirk, snoring can actually signal issues with your breathing. A staggering 75% of snorers actually have sleep apnea—a serious sleep disorder that causes problems such as weight gain, migraines, and even cardiovascular illnesses. Fortunately, you don’t have to let snoring disrupt your sleep. With the help of our dentists, you might be able to sleep soundly—and silently.
Anti-Snoring Devices
By taking a mold of your teeth and palate, we can create customized mouth guards that will help to keep your airway open during the night. These anti-snoring devices are incredibly effective and easy to use. There are two basic categories of anti-snoring devices:
- MAD, or Mandibular Advancement Devices: The most commonly prescribed form of oral appliance therapy, Mandibular Advancement Devices, also called MAD appliances, work by repositioning your lower jaw, uvula, soft palate, and tongue. By moving the lower jaw forward, these devices change the way the muscles flex, gently and comfortably protecting your nighttime breathing.
- TRD, or Tongue Restraining Devices: Some snoring is caused when the tongue falls backwards into the throat, partially restraining your breathing patterns. Tongue Restraining Devices, or TRDs, work by moving your tongue out of the way, and are particularly helpful for patients with large tongues, no teeth, or chronic joint pain.
Advantage of Using Oral Appliance Therapy
Using appliance therapy to treat snoring has several advantages. In addition to oral appliances being small and easy to carry, they are also discreet—which makes them perfect for people who might worry about how they look when they sleep. Also, because the appliances are small and easy to remove, patients can quickly and easily take out their appliance if they need to answer their phone or grab a midnight snack. Oral appliances are easily adjustable and comfortable.
Other Ways To Prevent Snoring
In addition to oral appliance therapy, here are some tips to prevent snoring.
- Time Your Alcohol Consumption: Since alcohol relaxes the muscles of your throat, experts recommend avoiding alcohol at least 4-5 hours before bedtime to prevent snoring.
- Avoiding Sleeping On Your Back: To keep your tongue from falling backwards and restricting your breathing, try sleeping on your side or stomach instead of your back.
- Exercise and Maintain A Healthy Weight: Heavier individuals tend to accumulate weight around their necks, which can contribute to snoring and a tighter airway. To prevent snoring, try to maintain a healthy weight. Also, since exercise helps to tone the muscles of your entire body, focus on getting the daily exercise that you need. In addition to sleeping better from all of that physical activity, you might have less trouble with snoring.
- Use A Humidifier: Consider adding a humidifier to your room to keep your throat from drying out and contributing to snoring. Also, adding a few drops of essential oils to your humidifier can help you to enjoy aromatherapy, which might help you to drift off to sleep more comfortably.
Don’t let nighttime snoring destroy your sleep, or the sleep of your family members. If you have a problem with snoring, make an appointment with one of our dentists for a consultation. Our Dental Excellence team will handle your snoring concerns efficiently and effectively so that you can get the rest that you deserve.
Dental Excellence is located in Independence, Missouri, near Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit. We have a wide variety of appointment times available, so book yours today.
Snoring can indicate serious health problems and can lead to others. Don’t wait to get treatment. Contact us today!
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