How a Dentist Can Help with Snoring

Snoring is a common problem that can affect sleep quality and overall health, both for the person snoring and their partner. While many associate snoring treatments with specialists like sleep doctors, dentists play a key role in helping individuals manage and reduce snoring. They can offer customized solutions, particularly when snoring is linked to issues within the oral and dental structure, such as sleep apnea.

What Causes Snoring?

Before a dentist can recommend treatment, it is important to understand the cause of snoring. Snoring typically happens when airflow is restricted during sleep, causing the soft tissues in the mouth and throat to vibrate. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including the relaxation of muscles during sleep, the position of the tongue, and any blockages or restrictions in the airway.

Dentists are trained to recognize oral and anatomical issues that may contribute to snoring. Conditions such as an enlarged tongue, excess soft tissue in the throat, misaligned jaw, or even nasal obstructions can contribute to snoring or more serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dentists often work alongside sleep specialists to diagnose the underlying issue and suggest appropriate treatments.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

One of the most effective ways a dentist can help with snoring is by providing a custom-made oral appliance. These dental devices are often referred to as mandibular advancement devices or oral sleep appliances. They work by gently shifting the lower jaw forward, which in turn opens the airway and reduces the likelihood of obstruction.

Dentists take precise measurements of a patient’s mouth and create a custom device that fits comfortably. These devices are often adjustable, allowing the dentist to gradually increase the advancement of the lower jaw as needed. Patients wear the appliance while they sleep, and many report a significant reduction in snoring and improved sleep quality.

Unlike over-the-counter options, which are one-size-fits-all, custom-made appliances are specifically designed for each individual’s mouth. This ensures that the device is not only effective but also comfortable, increasing the likelihood that patients will consistently use it.