A Snore Guard May Lessen Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 40 million Americans struggle with some degree of sleep apnea each year. If left unchecked, the snore and breathing interruption caused by chronic sleep apnea can lead to health complications, such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you suspect that you have developed sleep apnea, the first step is to seek professional diagnosis from a trained physician. After assessing the severity of your problem, they can help you understand your treatment options.

Many cases of moderate sleep apnea can be effectively addressed with a prescription snore guard, which can help mitigate sleep apnea symptoms. There are several different types and designs of snore guards available. For this treatment, you will simply wear the snore guard in your mouth while you are sleeping, and the snore guard will help maintain the correct position of the soft palate, thus keeping your airways clear.

Tongue stabilizing devices don’t attach to your teeth in any way. This makes them a preferred choice for denture wearers. This type of device helps to hold your tongue and soft palate in position to mitigate snoring and improve air flow.

Mandibular advance devices come in a wide range of styles and designs. This type of removable dental appliances often attaches to the teeth and hinges together in some way. They are specifically designed to hold your mouth and soft palate in the ideal position to allow easy passage of air, thus reducing snoring problems.

So-called boil and bite snore guards are made from a special thermoplastic material that softens when heated in simmering water. Once it becomes soft and pliable, you bite down on it firmly. The snore guard material will then conform to the unique shape of your teeth before it firms up.

If you live in the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, and if you have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, you should call 501-868-3800 to explore the snore guard options offered by orthodontists like Dr. John Cloud and the staff at Cloud Family Dental.