Why does snoring happen?
Snoring is caused by effort while breathing. When air has to force its way through the pharynx, the airway vibrates and makes a sound of varying intensity. This happens more often when you breathe through your mouth rather than your nose. In practical terms, snoring happens when the airway is narrowed or partly blocked, which can have several causes.
Factors that contribute to snoring
- Anatomy: An abnormally long soft palate, irregularly sized tonsils, a deviated nasal septum or an overbite (upper teeth too far forward over the lower teeth) are among the features that promote snoring.
- Obesity: Excess weight narrows the airway and relaxes the tissues, making breathing more difficult.
- Health problems: Respiratory viruses (colds, flu, etc.) that block the nasal passages lead you to breathe through your mouth, which increases the risk of snoring.
- Alcohol, drugs and medication: These substances relax the tongue and throat.
Solutions your dentist can offer
Since it is linked to difficulty breathing, snoring can disrupt the sleep of the person who snores. But it is their partner who bears the brunt of the noise. So there are good reasons to see your dentist in Saint-Eustache if you are affected. We can offer you a mandibular advancement device (MAD) to reduce snoring. This appliance is designed to mechanically open the airway, letting air flow more freely and reducing snoring. Made of two trays worn over the teeth, the MAD moves the mandible, the tongue and the other structures of the mouth that obstruct breathing forward, letting more air into the pharynx.
This simple solution is custom-made by your dentist from your dental impressions. It is designed to make breathing easier without putting pressure on the teeth or joints. This appliance improves quality of life, safely!
Snoring: sometimes more than a nuisance
The mandibular advancement device works well in most cases of snoring. However, snoring can lead to (or be a sign of) a more serious disorder: sleep apnea. In that case, a MAD is not always appropriate and other solutions are better suited. Talk to your dentist, who can refer you to the right resources if your problem is suspected to go beyond loud snoring.