By: Jamie Moyer
Not scientifically reviewed by Dr. Eeks
Can night guards stop snoring? Yes – if they’re specialized. The use of night guards at night can help to stop or significantly reduce snoring so that both you and your loved ones can have a night of uninterrupted sleep.
While standard night guards for grinding won’t stop snoring, those that are custom-made and dentist-fitted are extremely effective for both mild-to-moderate snoring, as well as mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Here’s everything you might need to know if you’re looking to invest in a night guard.
How Night Guards Work
Anti-snoring mouthguards prevent snoring by addressing the root cause of the problem – airway blockages.
In general, night guards work by repositioning the jaw. It pushes the lower jaw forward to create more space in the throat.
In addition to the above, night guards help stabilise the tongue. Preventing the tongue from falling back is crucial to ensuring the airway remains stable and preventing snoring.
Keeping the airway open, it also decreases the vibration of soft tissue, which ultimately creates the snoring sound.
Important Considerations to Think About
When getting a night guard, there are some important considerations to think about before you commit to getting these appliances.
Not all guards are the same
It’s good to know that not all guards are going to be the same. Standard night guards for bruxism, aka grinding of the teeth, will only protect your teeth. You’ll need to use an anti-snoring device that’s specifically designed for airway management in order for it to work effectively.
Custom vs Over-the-Counter
Wth a night guard for snoring, you have the choice of a custom vs. an over-the-counter option. While the latter exists, custom-made guards from a dentist will be more comfortable, effective, and less likely to cause jaw pain.
Effectiveness
These devices are most effective for those who have tongue-based snoring. While it can help somewhat with sleep apnea, it might not be as effective if you have severe sleep apnea.
Side Effects
There are several side effects to think about when it comes to wearing night guards. These side effects will be temporary if they occur. Side effects include jaw discomfort, excessive salivation, or tooth soreness, for example.
These side effects are just potential, so they might not occur for some people and may occur for others.
When to Seek out Professional Advice
If you think that night guards might be the solution to your snoring habits, then it’s important to seek the advice and guidance from your local dentist.
A dentist can determine if a mouth guard is most effective or whether you need something different, depending on whether or not you have snoring caused by sleep apnea. Night guards are an affordable option, and almost all dentists will offer night guards as an additional purchase.
Depending on your snoring habits, a night guard can be effective in ridding your snoring, or at least reducing it significantly. Consider your options and always consult a doctor or dentist when you’re looking for solutions to your snoring.