You don’t just keep your spouse up at night. It’s your daughter, your sons, the neighbors, and the neighbors’ dog. Instead of making them all invest in industrial-strength earplugs, it may be time for you to look into ways to stop your snoring once and for all. North Park Family Dental in Grand Rapids is proud to offer Snore Guard, to guard your health and your family’s sanity.
What causes snoring?
There are several factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, that can lead to snoring. The controllable include alcohol consumption and weight of the snorer. Generally, drinking a large amount of alcohol before bedtime relaxes the muscles in the mouth and throat, allowing the jaw and tongue to drop back, causing snoring. Obesity can lead to bulky throat tissue, which obstructs the airway.
On the other hand, there are certain unavoidable factors that can cause a person to snore. Dr. Robert S. Dame of North Park Family Dental advises that allergies, a cold and even the structure of your mouth and sinuses can also make you a noisy sleeper. It’s no surprise that the former two can lead to snoring, as they clog up and congest everything from your head to your chest, but did you know that a long uvula (that punching bag in the back of your throat) can also do the trick? The breathing in and out can cause increased vibrations and the uvula, itself can contribute to a restricted airway, as can a long soft palate. Fortunately, there are still ways to stop snoring.
What is Snore Guard?
Snore Guard is made of sterile thermoplastic and looks just like an athletic mouthpiece. Rather than protecting the teeth, however, this device’s purpose is to keep the airway open during sleep. The structure of the device ensures that the jaw and tongue do not sag backward, which inhibits normal breathing. By keeping the jaw and tongue in their regular, waking positions, the wearer is quieter and safer during their slumber. The thermoplastic becomes pliable when heated and then molds to the patient’s teeth as it cools, resulting in a unique and perfect fit.
Snoring and its causes can become incredibly dangerous if not addressed properly. From loss of quality sleep, to strain on the heart and even death, snoring is not to be taken lightly. To learn more about Snore Guard in Grand Rapids and to find out if you are a candidate, give Dr. Dame and North Park Family Dental a call today.