While snoring is a common problem for many people, it can also be a sign of other major health complications. It is estimated that 45% of people snore while sleeping, which not only affects the quality of sleep of the person snoring, but also the quality of sleep of their loved ones and other family members. Luckily, there is a way to treat chronic snoring.
CAUSES OF SNORING
Snoring can be the result of several factors. Typically, snoring is caused by the relaxing of the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth, making the air passage smaller. The decrease in space through the airway makes it harder for each breath to get through, and when it does get through, it moves over the soft tissues in the mouth and throat and causes a vibration that results in the snoring sound. Besides a decreased airway, other causes of snoring may include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain sleep aides or sedatives
- Excess body weight
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
LETS TALK ABOUT SOLUTIONS TO SNORING- IS A MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE RIGHT FOR ME?
If you snore at night, then a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a solution and a better night’s sleep! The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, increasing the space between the airway passage and helping you breathe better so you can get a full, quiet night’s sleep.
Some devices also stop the tongue from falling back over your windpipe. Your orthodontist will fit these special appliances to meet your individual condition.
IS IT COMFORTABLE?
A mandibular advancement device is supposed to be comfortable, so that you can sleep without even noticing you’re wearing it. It does not prevent you from breathing with your mouth open and will help eliminate snoring for some patients. You may experience some slight stiffness of the jaw for the first few mornings after wearing the device, but this feeling is only temporary, and will go away after you wake up and remove the device.
To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, contact Bobcat Braces and schedule an appointment and consultation.