A number of factors can cause snoring, including a serious problem called obstructive sleep apnea. You could have this problem if you stop breathing during the night, wake frequently at night and have excessive daytime sleepiness. Those who experience these symptoms may want to visit a center where they evaluate sleep to determine the extent of the problem and the possible solutions available. In some cases, a continuous positive air pressure, or CPAP, the machine is the best treatment. It’s also possible that a dental appliance may be helpful.
Device Basics
Devices meant to limit Snoring in Summit NJ are designed to help keep the airway open throughout the night. The device pushes the tongue and lower jaw forward to accomplish this. It’s helpful in approximately 85 percent of those with mild to moderate sleep apnea causing snoring. They are similar to other custom mouthguards, such as those worn to limit teeth grinding during sleep and most people find them relatively comfortable to wear.
Advantages
Some people find that they aren’t comfortable using a CPAP machine. This could be because they don’t like the noise or find the mask to be uncomfortable. It also isn’t very convenient to travel with a CPAP machine. The experience of having air forced down the throat can be unsettling and dry out the throat and nasal passages, and some find that they feel claustrophobic when sleeping with the mask on. An oral appliance, however, is quiet, easy to carry when traveling and easy to care for. It doesn’t dry out the sinuses, and it’s more convenient for people who move around a lot and might dislodge a CPAP device. There isn’t any of the maintenance necessary with a CPAP machine. The dental appliance just needs to be cleaned daily to limit bacteria. This can be as simple as brushing it with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Disadvantages
Some people find that these devices can make the jaw, gums or teeth sore. The jaw can be moved, and dental restorations can sometimes be loosened with dental devices to minimize Snoring in Summit NJ. Others experience dry mouth or excessive salivation when wearing these appliances.
Contact Westfield Oral Surgery for more information. They can help with a variety of different dental care needs, including dental implants and wisdom teeth removal.
