Snoring is a very common condition occurring inasmuch as 30% in women and 45% in men. It is frequently experienced by overweight individuals and has the propensity to worsen as you age. Snoring is usually not threatening. Nevertheless, you may ruin someone else's snooze and even decrease your own quality of sleep if you're a habitual snorer.
What is snoring?
Snoring is the sound you produce on your sleep when the air flow through your mouth and nose is partially blocked upon breathing. Sounds usually formed in snoring can either be unpleasant and loud or soft.
What are the risk factors of snoring?
- Factors that may put you at risk for snoring include:
Being overweight or obese.
- Overweight and obese individuals are most likely to experience snoring because of fatty tissues and poor muscle tone.
Narrowed airway.
- Some people have large adenoids or tonsils or a long soft palate which narrows the airway putting them at higher risk of snoring.
Alcohol drinking.
- Alcohol relaxes the muscles on your throat which may increase your risk of snoring.
Gender.
- Men, particularly overweight or obese men are highly at risk of snoring.
Nasal problems.
- Blockage on your sinuses or any airway structural defects outs you at higher risk of snoring.
Family history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snoring.
- Individuals who have a relative diagnosed with OSA or snoring are at risk of having it as well.
What are the causes of snoring?
Snoring is caused by a number of conditions which include underlying health problems.
- Weak throat.
- Obstructed or narrowed nasal airway.
- Alcohols or drugs that relax the throat muscles.
- Sleeping on your back.
- Mis-positioned jaw.
- Sleep apnea.
- You should bear in mind that identifying the root cause of your snoring is critical as it can be caused by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder which can lead to sudden cardiac death, heart problems, hypertension and increased accident risks.
Snore Guard
- Oral appliances are considered to be the first remedy to stop snoring. These mouthpieces are considered to be effective in treating mild to moderate types of sleep apnea as evidenced by clinical studies supporting its efficiency. One of the more popular anti-snoring dental appliances includes its use.
What is snore guard?
- Snore guard is an oral anti-snoring device that was first manufactured and marketed on 1989. It is a jaw retaining dental appliance that functions by holding your lower jaw forward. Manufacturers claim that it stops snoring right before it even starts.
How does snore guard work?
- Since snore guard is a jaw retaining oral appliance, it works by advancing and holding your jaw in place whilst prevent your tongue from falling back to your throat. It primarily acts by repositioning your lower jawbone. This technique known as "mandibular repositioning" essentially helps in averting airway obstruction allowing you to breathe freely without the embarrassment of snoring.
Where can I get my own snore guard?
- You can have your own snore guard by going to a dentist who custom fits this oral appliance. For one thing, snore guards needs professional fitting. Having your custom fitted snore-guard is actually helpful in preventing discomfort and pain.
Is it really effective?
- You may be wondering now if snore guard is really effective. Considering that it has been marketed since the late 1980s and is still being sold and used by many consumers, one can say that it can really prevent snoring. First and foremost, you should know that it is only effective if your snoring is caused by a mis-positioned jaw. Hence, if a mis-positioned jaw is not the cause of your snoring problem, then you should consider asking your doctor for any other treatment.
What should I know before having my own snore guard?
Before rushing to your dentist, you should know that it has several drawbacks. These include:
Pain
- It may take a while before you get used to wearing snore guard primarily because of the pain and discomfort it may give you. It may cause sore gums, jaw pain, facial pain and sore teeth. This side effect may last for a few days or weeks at most.
Price
- Snore guard is available through prescription only. On top of that, it is custom made. These factors make snore guard as more expensive compared to other anti-snoring oral appliances.
Despite these drawbacks, it also has several advantages. Advantages include:
Simple design
- No need to get used or take pains in learning how to use snore guard as it has a one piece, simplistic design.
Safety
- Since it's been used and prescribed for many decades, one can only assume that it is very safe to use.
Technology used
- It uses a technology known as "Patented Air Flow" which helps in allowing you to breathe easily and soundly.
I, Sandeep S., is writing on several aspects of healthcare and medicare including sleeping disorders. I am writing on continuous positive airway pressure products and other aspects including how to stop snoring and sleep apnea for last 4 years.
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