If you or your partner struggle with snoring, you know that it can be more than just an inconvenience. More often than not, snoring can lead to more serious problems, including fatigue, sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances in general. Luckily, our dentists here at Diamond Bar Dental can help you learn more about custom oral appliances designed for those suffering from sleep apnea and snoring. If this sounds like it may work for you, read on to see if we can help improve your quality of sleep.
What Causes Snoring?
To best understand the remedies for snoring, you must first learn the causes. Snoring is the result of a person's mouth and nose airflow being obstructed, and a variety of reasons may cause this obstruction:
- Genetic Factors. If a person has a soft palate or long uvula, it may cause their passageway to narrow and result in snoring.
- Lack of Muscle Tone. Sometimes, poor muscle tone causes a person's tongue and throat muscles to relax too much during sleep. Because of this, the muscles collapse, fall back, and block their airways. Often, we see this in patients who take medicines like sleeping pills or those who consume alcohol in excess.
- Narrowed Nasal Passages. Any issues that caused narrowed nasal passages will result in snoring. Sometimes, patients will only snore if they're sick or are suffering from allergies. Even so, people with a deviated septum or nasal polyps may also snore frequently.
- Enlarged Tissues. You are also more likely to snore if you have enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Snoring may also be caused by overweight patients that happen to develop thick tissues in their throat or around their airways.
How We Can Help
Most people don't realize that dentists can significantly improve problems caused by snoring. For example, the first solution that dentists may recommend is oral appliance therapy. Like a mouth guard used for sports, this custom appliance also fits over the patient's teeth. This technology will gently adjust the lower jaw to prevent soft tissues from blocking the airways. In addition, these mouth guards can also keep the tongue from falling to the back of the throat.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy the Best Fit for You?
It is best to schedule a consultation with your dentist or a dental professional before deciding on any procedures. Doing so will allow your dentist to examine your teeth, jaw joints, soft tissues, and facial muscles so that they may recommend the best and most effective treatment for you. In addition, they may also be able to work with your physician to ensure that you are getting the best quality of sleep possible.
Custom vs. Store Bought
While there are many mouthguard options available in-store, there is no doubt that a custom mouthguard will be the most effective for most patients struggling with snoring. Every person has a unique oral structure, requiring a custom guard to resolve the issue most effectively. By going to a professional, you are ensuring you will get the best possible outcome.
To learn more about how we can help you resolve your snoring issues, schedule an appointment with Diamond Bar Dental today.
Located in Diamond Bar, CA, Diamond Bar Dental can help you learn everything there is to know about the most effectivemouth guard options for you. Let us help you choose the option that’s best for you and your needs. Call us at 909-860-3111 to schedule an appointment today.