Snoring isn't sexy. Snoring can disturb the snorer as well as his or her sleep partner. It can be very embarrassing and has been cited as the cause for many relationship disputes. Snoring can be avoided by using one of a variety of simple dental appliances.
Snoring occurs when the back of the roof of the mouthknown as the soft palateand the uvula, that is dangling down at the back of the mouth, vibrate during sleep. The muscles in the back of the throat hold these in place when a person is awake. During sleep, these may collapse and cause vibrations in the airway. The tongue too may contribute to snoring.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, mouth anatomy such as a low or thick soft palate or enlarged tonsils may cause snoring. Chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between nostrils can also cause snoring. Alcohol consumption and sleep apnea are also known causes. Snoring prevalence tends to increase with age, and with obesity. Some people are habitual snorers.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol near bedtime or sleeping on your side may be possible solutions to snoring. If these do not work, doctors may recommend use of dental appliances, and in extreme cases, surgery.
There are a variety of appliances that can be worn that can prevent the vibrations and collapse of the upper airway. These belong to three basic types:
Devices that pull the tongue forward
Devices that use a flange at the base of the tongue to hold the tongue out of the pharynx
Devices that advance the mandible
Some types are suitable only for certain people, depending on their specific requirements. Some dental appliances provide positive results in most users while others need to be tailor-made. Certain types of dental appliances in the market can be dangerous.
Consult your dentist on what dental appliances will be right for you, and within your budget. Your dentist can also direct you to a sleep medicine dentist who can help you choose what is best for you or tailor a solution for your specific needs. Once you begin using an oral appliance, Mayo Clinic recommends that you should visit your dental specialist every six months during the first year, and continue thereafter with annual visits. This would ensure that the appliance fits well and that your condition is not becoming worse.
Snoring occurs when the back of the roof of the mouthknown as the soft palateand the uvula, that is dangling down at the back of the mouth, vibrate during sleep. The muscles in the back of the throat hold these in place when a person is awake. During sleep, these may collapse and cause vibrations in the airway. The tongue too may contribute to snoring.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, mouth anatomy such as a low or thick soft palate or enlarged tonsils may cause snoring. Chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between nostrils can also cause snoring. Alcohol consumption and sleep apnea are also known causes. Snoring prevalence tends to increase with age, and with obesity. Some people are habitual snorers.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol near bedtime or sleeping on your side may be possible solutions to snoring. If these do not work, doctors may recommend use of dental appliances, and in extreme cases, surgery.
There are a variety of appliances that can be worn that can prevent the vibrations and collapse of the upper airway. These belong to three basic types:
Devices that pull the tongue forward
Devices that use a flange at the base of the tongue to hold the tongue out of the pharynx
Devices that advance the mandible
Some types are suitable only for certain people, depending on their specific requirements. Some dental appliances provide positive results in most users while others need to be tailor-made. Certain types of dental appliances in the market can be dangerous.
Consult your dentist on what dental appliances will be right for you, and within your budget. Your dentist can also direct you to a sleep medicine dentist who can help you choose what is best for you or tailor a solution for your specific needs. Once you begin using an oral appliance, Mayo Clinic recommends that you should visit your dental specialist every six months during the first year, and continue thereafter with annual visits. This would ensure that the appliance fits well and that your condition is not becoming worse.