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Anti Snoring Mouth guard: Say goodbye to Snoring

Written by Dental Designs Clinic Singapore | Jun 2, 2024 5:45:00 PM

Discover why people usually snore while sleeping and if anti snoring mouth guards actually help in reducing snoring habit and give a peaceful night sleep.

 

Understanding the Causes of Snoring

Has your partner or parents ever told you that you snore at night? Or does find yourself having difficulty as your partner snores loudly at night? If your answer is yes, how do we manage this?

Snoring is a common condition that affects about 60-70% of the world's population! It is often noticed when an individual inhales air and makes loud noises while in a deep sleep. It is caused by the relaxation of the throat and tongue muscles, narrowing the airway and leading to vibration and snoring sounds.

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is obstructed partially during sleep. Regardless of the cause, the result is often a loud, disruptive noise that can affect the quality of sleep for both the snorer and their partner.

Several factors can contribute to snoring, which includes:

Nasal congestion

Medical issues such as deviated septum, flu or chronic sinus inflammation can cause rapid turbulent air to pass through the constricted nostrils. This causes the muscles at the back of the mouth (dividing the nose and mouth) to stretch out and vibrate, leading to noisy breathing. Due to a lack of air through the nose, patients tend to open the mouth for better breathing. Overgrowth of adenoids can also be one of the causes.

 

Obesity

Excess tissue around the neck can cause the muscles in the back of the mouth to collapse backwards, compressing the airway path.

 

Alcohol

Consuming substances like alcohol can relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the likelihood of snoring.

 

Sleep position

Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to fall back and narrow the airway while breathing in.

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is one of the main reasons why people snore at night. However, not everyone with a snoring habit has sleep apnea and not everyone with OSA snores at night. For this reason, it is vitally important to rule out OSA as a cause of snoring through a sleep study.

 

Misalignment of teeth

Although misalignment of the teeth may not be a primary cause of snoring, it can help shift the teeth to a more optimal position. This improves the bite and creates more space in the mouth, preventing the tongue from falling back due to a narrow mouth structure.

 

By addressing the root cause of snoring, you can effectively reduce or eliminate snoring and improve your sleep quality. One way to reduce snoring that has gained popularity for its effectiveness and ease of use is the anti snoring mouth guard.

 

What are the treatment methods for snoring?

Snoring has become a giant hassle when sleeping and properly resting at night. It can affect you as well as your partner. Here’s a comprehensive guide on different treatment methods for snoring.

1) Behavior management and lifestyle changes

Engaging in physical activities to shed excess weight, practising tongue muscle exercises and reducing alcohol intake can help reposition the tongue for improved airflow, thus correcting the breathing pathway.

 

2) Medical interventions

For medical issues such as nasal congestions, medications like decongestions may help but if the nasal congestion persists, it is recommended that you seek advice from an ENT specialist for other treatment options. Additionally, seeking guidance from a Medical GP to rule out sleep apnea is advisable before considering the use of any intraoral devices that could help improve your snoring habits. The Medical GP may recommend surgical procedures like tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or septoplasty for severe cases involving enlarged tonsils, adenoids or a deviated septum. 

 

3) Intraoral devices

Intraoral dental appliances issued by a dentist may help to manage snoring. These devices help to position the lower jaw forward when sleeping. Before utilising these devices, it is advisable to consult with a multidisciplinary team to eliminate sleep apnea as a potential root cause of snoring.
 

4) Invisalign or braces

Orthodontic treatment not only enhances the alignment of the teeth but also opens up additional room in the mouth, preventing the tongue from collapsing backwards due to a narrow mouth structure. You can read more about Invisalign treatment here. Our Invisalign dentist can advise whether Invisalign treatment will likely improve your snoring or sleep apnea.

 

By exploring these various treatment options, individuals can find the most effective solution to reduce or eliminate snoring, improving their sleep quality and overall health.

 

What is an anti-snoring mouthguard and how does it help?

Anti-snoring mouthguards, otherwise known as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), allow for precise positioning of the lower jaw. These snoring mouthpiece devices are custom made and are often favourable for those with mild to moderate snoring, as well as for those who prefer them over CPAP machines. It is a device designed to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.

The devices are designed to keep the airway open during sleep. They work by repositioning and holding the lower jaw and tongue forward, which helps prevent airway collapse and hence reduce snoring. DuraSleep and Somnodent are two such mouthguards options offered in our clinic. Check them out here!

These mouthguards are typically made of durable material and are custom made to snugly fit to your teeth shape, making them more comfortable to wear. Anti-snoring mouthguards are a popular and effective solution for snoring. They are non-invasive, easy to use and can significantly improve sleep quality for the snorer and their sleep partner. Before using these mouthguards, it is advised to consult a medical practitioner to rule out underlying sleep apnea through sleep studies.

 

What are the other types of anti-snoring devices?

If advised by a doctor, several other types of anti-snoring devices are available over-the-counter in pharmacies or online retail shops, each with unique features and benefits. The most common types include:

  • Tongue-retaining devices (TRDs): These mouthguards hold the tongue in a forward position, preventing it from blocking the airway. They are suitable for individuals who snore due to tongue obstruction.
  • An anti-snoring device for placing in the nostril

Limited evidence exists on whether these devices effectively prevent snoring for you or your partner while asleep at night. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or dentist before investing in these products.

 

What are the benefits of an anti-snoring mouth guard?

Better Sleep Quality

Using an anti snoring mouthpiece for sleep can significantly improve the quality of sleep for both the snorer and their partner. By reducing or eliminating snoring, these devices help ensure a quieter, more restful night.

 

Comfortable and Easy to Use

Modern anti snoring dental guards are designed with comfort in mind. Many are made from soft, flexible materials that mold to the shape of the mouth, providing a comfortable fit.

 

Effective Snore Guard

Studies have shown that snoring mouthpieces are effective in reducing snoring in a large percentage of users. For many, these devices offer a simple, non-invasive solution to a long-standing problem.

 

When selecting a mouth guard for snoring relief, consider the following factors:

  1. Fit and Comfort: A comfortable snoring mouth guard is more likely to be worn consistently. Custom-fitted devices generally offer the best comfort.
  2. Adjustability: An adjustable anti snoring mouth guard allows for personalised adjustments, enhancing effectiveness.
  3. Material: Look for a snoring aid mouth guard made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials to avoid irritation.

 

Conclusion

Whether you are the one snoring or it's your partner, finding a solution like an anti-snoring mouthguard can make a world of difference. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed and energised, ready to tackle the day ahead, all thanks to a peaceful and refreshing night's rest.

Don't let snoring continue to disrupt your sleep and impact your well-being. Take the step towards a quieter and more rejuvenating sleep with the help of an anti-snoring mouthguard. Check out our clinic website for more information on these mouthguards

Looking to book a dental consultation with us? Just leave us a message here and we will be happy to help!

Whatsapp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

 

References

  1. Why and When to Treat Snoring | Kathleen Yaremchuk MD, MSA
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otc.2020.02.011 

  2. Snoring |https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7524.1063 |Robert J Parker

  3. Nonsurgical treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea |D N Fairbanks 
    https://doi.org/10.1177/019459988910000623