How to treat snoring

Dental devices are one of the most popular ways to treat snoring. Many devices, especially those prescribed by a dentist, are incredibly effective at improving mouth position and promoting positive airflow while sleeping, which tends to treat snoring in most instances. The type of dental device that a dentist recommends depends largely on the cause. If snoring is the problem in and of itself and is not overly serious, then a prescribed mouthguard might be all that is needed. For individuals with severe sleep apnea, either an advanced mouthguard or a CPAP machine might be the best form of treatment. 

There are instances where making lifestyle changes is enough to treat snoring. Remember, the main goal of snoring treatment in most cases is to promote healthy breathing while asleep. One way to do this is to make dietary and exercise changes. Many who smoke or drink frequently are at an increased risk of snoring, and reducing alcohol intake and tobacco use can be helpful. Also, exercising, weight management and eating healthy might help reduce snoring as well. Avoiding allergies by taking medication during allergy season can be helpful in many instances. 

If you are like many, the first thought you have when you hear about an anti-snoring pillow is that it likely does not work, but there are certain specific pillows that can actually work well for snoring treatment. The goal of most anti-snoring pillows is to get the head position in a more optimal position (typically raised a few inches), which promotes healthy breathing and reduces the risk of sleep apnea and snoring. Be sure to talk to a dentist about pillows that work best for snoring, and ask about sleep apnea-specific pillows if sleep apnea is the cause of snoring. 

While many think about dentists as only treating issues related to teeth and gums, dentists can also help patients who struggle with sleep apnea and have a problem with snoring. There are a variety of dental devices and other forms of treatment that we can use here at our office to help snoring patients (and their partners) sleep better at night. If you are interested in learning more about snoring treatment and want to find the best form of treatment for you specifically, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in for your first visit.