How Do I Use Mouth Pieces to Stop Snoring?

Snoring can mean a rough night's sleep for your spouse. It can also mean poor sleep for you, because snoring is associated with breathing problems. Mouthpieces can help you stop snoring.

Causes

Snoring occurs when your throat and tongue muscles relax in sleep. The lax tissue sags and partially blocks your airway. This makes breathing difficult and results in the vibration of your palate, causing you to snore, according to "Clinical Medical Assisting."

Mouthpieces

Mouthpieces can keep you from snoring by stopping tissue from constricting your airway. A mouthpiece will hold your jaw in a forward position, which prevents your tongue or throat from sagging. This eliminates the vibrations that result in snorting.

Considerations

A mouthpiece should be custom made for your mouth and jaw. Because you wear the device for hours while asleep, over time an ill-fitting mouthpiece can result in teeth shifting position, according to "A Woman's Guide to Sleep Disorders."

References

• "A Woman's Guide to Sleep Disorders"; Meir H. Kryger, Meir Kryger; 2004.
• "Clinical Medical Assisting"; Michelle E. Heller, Lynette Veach; 2008.