Snoring is a common condition that occurs when air can’t flow easily through your nose or mouth, disrupting your sleep and your partner’s sleep. Although many of us will snore at some point in our lives, loud, jarring snoring and persistent snoring can indicate more serious health conditions, such as sleep apnea, which should be addressed.
Whether you suffer from mild snoring or chronic snoring, it can have a debilitating impact on your general health and wellbeing, especially if it is disturbing your sleep. The good news is that there are a number of solutions that can be used to help with snoring, including anti-snore guards. What are anti-snore guards? How do they work? Within this article, we have explored whether or not anti-snore guards work when it comes to helping with snoring.
Understanding Snoring
Snoring is incredibly common and is distinguishable due to the raspy, noisy or harsh sound that you can hear when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat. This then causes the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. When we sleep, our throat muscles naturally relax, the tongue slips backwards, and the throat narrows, causing snoring to occur.
Snoring is not just a problem for adults. It’s important to talk to a dentist or a pediatrician if your child snores loudly, irregularly, or chronically.
What are anti-snore guards?
Anti-snore guards, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are devices worn in the mouth during sleep to reduce snoring. They are designed to work by holding your lower jaw forward in a more protruded position. This allows the airway to widen in the back of the throat and reduces the vibration of tissues renowned for causing snoring.
There are two different types of anti-snore guards: custom–fitted MADs and over–the–counter MADs. Custom-fitted MADs are made by a dentist using impressions of your teeth and provide a bespoke fit that optimises comfort and offers a higher success rate. You can also purchase over-the-counter MADs, which can be found in a number of pharmacies. Although these work for some, they are not ideal for everyone and are often uncomfortable and ineffective if they do not fit well.
Do anti-snoring mouthguards work?
Four in every 10 people in the UK snore, meaning it is a lot more common than you might think. Significant research has indicated that MADs are one of the most successful ways to reduce snoring.
If snoring is an issue for you, your first port of call should be your doctor, who will discuss the best options for you, especially if you have underlying health conditions. A consultation with your dentist can also be incredibly helpful, especially if you require a custom-fit MAD.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Guards
Custom-fit anti-snore guards have been created precisely for your teeth and mouth to offer you both optimum comfort and protection. Over-the-counter options can be purchased at your local pharmacy or retail store; they are available in a standard size that fits most people, as well as in a type that can be moulded to fit your teeth. However, as they are not made to fit you are not as effective or comfortable
Anti-Snore Guards from Beaulieu Dental
Here at Beaulieu Dental, we provide custom-fit anti-snore guards that fit in your mouth and cover your teeth like a gum shield. These devices work by positioning your lower jaw (your mandible) further forward (or advancing it).
Beaulieu Dental is a modern and welcoming dental practice, and we are really proud of our 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.
We offer a wide range of treatments and are accepting new private and Denplan patients. We have a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency service. We also offer direct access appointments for our hygienists, meaning you can see them without first seeing a dentist.
Get in touch today to find out more and book your next dental hygienist appointment.
