A woman trying to sleep while her husband snores

Snoring is a problem many people suffer from. It’s estimated that over 80 million people in North America snore during their sleep. Snoring not only impacts the quality of your sleep, it also disrupts your loved ones as well.

Snoring happens when your breathing is partially blocked while you sleep. This occurs when the tissues in your mouth and throat become relaxed, decreasing the size of your air passage. As a result, air can’t flow through as easily, and it causes the soft tissues to vibrate. This vibration is what causes the snoring sounds.

Snoring can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Sinuses
  • Allergies
  • Weight
  • A cold
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Your mouth’s anatomy
Treatments for Snoring
A young couple smiling

If you suffer from snoring, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may be a good option for you. The MAD is an oral device that helps to keep your air passage open by gently keeping your lower jaw in a forward position. This allows you to breathe easier and get a better night’s sleep.

The oral device is comfortable to wear and won’t bother your gag reflex. Some patients may feel some temporary stiffness in their jaw for a few nights; however, this will disappear once you remove the oral device.

Other types of oral devices help to keep your tongue from blocking your windpipe. Your dentist will examine your case and find the appropriate solution for you.

A young couple smiling