A snoring mouthpiece is an oral dental appliance that is worn while sleeping that can be an effective snoring remedy. It works by re-positioning the jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula to enhance air movement into the lungs. A tongue-retaining device and a jaw retainer are the two types of sleep apnea devices available in the market today.

The tongue-retaining snoring mouthpiece pulls the tongue forward and holds it in that position. This is especially designed for people who sleep on their back. Often when you sleep on your back, your tongue can fall down to the back of your mouth and throat thereby blocking your air passages and causing you to snore. With a tongue retaining snoring mouthpiece, the tongue is gently pulled forward, thus letting air flow freely and preventing snoring. It is usually made of soft plastic equipped with a tongue-sized suction cup. It is anchored on the teeth and meant to be inserted just before going to sleep.

snoring mouthpiece

Another common cause of snoring is when the jaw slides back during sleep and obstructs the airways. A jaw retainer or mandibular advancement device is a snoring mouthpiece that aims to open the throat and air passages by holding the jaw in a forward position while increasing the muscle tone of the tongue. It is made of dental acrylic and is anchored on the teeth by metal loops. Like the tongue retainer, it is also inserted before going to sleep.

            Tips on Finding the Right Snoring Mouthpiece:

  • Comfort is critical. The oral device should not hurt the gums and teeth. Certain snoring mouthpieces can cause discomfort to your mouth. If this occurs, you are less likely to use the device consistently so make sure when shopping for a snoring mouthpiece that you find one that fits comfortably inside your mouth.
  • When wearing the snoring mouthpiece, it should not block the nasal passages. The purpose of these oral devices is to clear all air passages because blocked airways is the main cause of snoring. Therefore, it is imperative when a mouthpiece is worn it should not obstruct other air passages.
  • Snoring mouthpieces have been reported to cause several common side effects. These include causing dry mouth, tooth pain and excess saliva. Generally, these side effects will decrease with experience and regular use.

            Can Snoring Mouthpieces Really Work?

  • Yes. Several scientific studies have shown that oral snoring mouthpieces can be an effective treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Oral or dental snoring mouthpieces work best when administered under the supervision of a trained dentist. They will make sure the device is properly fitted and adjusted to your mouth.
  • Several over the counter, self help snoring mouthpieces are available on the market today. For the most part, these devices have not undergone the same scientifically valid testing as those administered by trained medical and dental professionals. They are generally much less expensive so if cost is a prohibiting factor, you might consider this route first.

If traditional snoring and OSA solutions such as sleep apnea CPAP machines or weight loss are not suitable options for you, consider the use of a snoring mouthpiece device as a cpap alternative. Before you self treat your snoring problem, it is always best to seek help from medical professionals because they are the best persons to diagnose any health problem. Snoring may not just be simple snoring but can be a symptom to a much more serious medical problem like sleep apnea. Making an effort to understand the different cures and treatments prior to getting help can save time and money. There are a lot of snoring cures and treatments available and a snoring mouthpiece is one them.

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