How to Stop Snoring Using an Oral Device

According to a 2002 National Sleep Foundation poll, 37 percent of adults in the United States claim they snore a few nights a week. Several products claim to help people stop snoring, including mouth guards. Mouth guards move the jaw forward to prevent airway obstruction by the mouth's soft tissue, which leads to snoring.

Instructions

1. Purchase an over-the-counter mouth guard from a drug store. Boil the guard to soften the plastic and place it in your mouth. These are less expensive than custom-made guards and cost from $10 to $40.

2. Speak to a dentist about making you a custom mouth guard. The dentist will make a mold of your mouth and create a guard that fits more comfortably than an over-the-counter version. This option can be more effective but may cost hundreds of dollars.

3. Insert the mouth guard every night before sleeping. It may take several days to become used to the device.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your dentist to adjust the mouth guard if it is uncomfortable.

• Avoid sleeping on your back; stop smoking; and avoid drinking alcohol before bed. These all contribute to snoring.

References

• The Health Care Center: Using a Mouth Guard to Stop Snoring
• Tips to Stop Snoring: Tips to Stop Snoring and Maybe Cure the Problem
• National Sleep Foundation: Snoring and Sleep