Snoring is the result of a partial obstruction of the airway during sleep. Snoring is sometimes a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition in which the soft palate and tongue collapse on the back of the throat, restricting the flow of oxygen. One way of treating snoring is to use specially designed mouth guards, which can help prevent this soft tissue realignment. Although there are many mass-produced mouth guards, every person's mouth is different and these mouth guards may not be effective. For the best results, an individually designed mouth guard is indicated.
Step 1
Find a dentist skilled in using oral appliances to relieve snoring. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine has a database of dentists in each part of the country that are trained for this treatment.
Step 2
Get a full examination. This is so the dentist can determine whether your snoring could be relieved by an oral appliance.
Step 3
Consult with your dentist as to which type of mouth guard is right for you. There are a wide variety of mouth guards that can be used to treat snoring, including some that keep the tongue forward and others that reposition the jaw.
Step 4
Work with your dentist to design a mouth guard that fits and effectively repositions your mouth and airway.
Step 5
Wear the mouth guard each night to help relieve your snoring.
