general dentistry

Snoring

Snoring is caused by the vibration of your tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose as you breathe. It happens because these parts of your body relax and narrow when you're asleep.

You’re more likely to snore if you are overweight, smoke or drink too much alcohol. Sometimes it’s caused by a condition like sleep apnoea, which is when your airways become temporarily blocked as you sleep.

Snoring can be a result of a combination of factors:

  • A large tongue or a long soft palate
  • Excess fat deposits in the throat area or large tonsils
  • Incorrect jaw position
  • Nasal passageway obstruction
  • Sleeping on your back causing the tongue to drop to the back of the mouth

Seeing your GP would be the first step to diagnose sleep apnoea, but treatment could well then be through a dentist. We can make a specialist mandibular advancement device, such as the Sleepwell appliance. This is a bespoke mouth guard that fits comfortably over your teeth but holds the lower jaw and tongue forward, preventing the temporary collapse of the soft tissues at the back of your mouth. This in turn can open up your airway and help prevent snoring.

Snoring thumb

 

snoring

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the anti-snoring device made by a dentist different to one you can buy off the shelf?

It is worth noting that although these devices can be bought over the counter or online they will then not fit properly and so they will either be ineffective or uncomfortable and are likely to be a waste of money. A dental practice would take an impression of your mouth to create a bespoke device that fits correctly. A dental surgery would also be able to factor in any other complications such as misalignment of teeth and create a mandibular advancement device that is suitable.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Symptoms of sleep apnoea mainly happen while you sleep.

Symptoms include breathing stopping and starting, making gasping, snorting or choking noises, waking up multiple times during the night, loud snoring.

For more information contact us on 01744 820404

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