If you or your partner snore at night, you’re not alone—millions of Americans are affected each year. With various treatment options available, many people ask: Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring?
At Orthodental Inc. in Gallup, Dr. Joseph Wilson and our dental sleep care team help patients discover how custom mouthguards can reduce or even eliminate snoring, improving sleep quality and overall well-being. Learn how they work, who can benefit, and why professional dental solutions often provide the best results.
Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring & Why It Happens
Snoring occurs when airflow through the throat or nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce the characteristic rattling sound.
Common causes of snoring include:
- Relaxation of throat and tongue muscles.
- Nasal congestion or a deviated septum.
- Being overweight or sleeping on your back.
- Alcohol or sedative use before bedtime.
- Misaligned jaw or narrow airway.
When left untreated, chronic snoring isn’t just a nuisance but can signal more serious conditions, like sleep apnea, which increases risks for high blood pressure, fatigue, and heart problems.
What Is a Mouth Guard for Snoring?
A snore mouth guard, or mandibular advancement device, is a custom-fitted appliance that gently moves your lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and reduce snoring. At Orthodental Inc., our dental sleep specialists create custom mouth guards, helping patients answer the question: Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring? We use precise digital scans to ensure a comfortable fit that preserves your natural bite.
Types of mouth guards commonly used for snoring:
- Mandibular advancement devices: These devices gently move the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open, reducing snoring and improving breathing during sleep.
- Tongue-retaining devices: Maintain the tongue’s position to reduce the risk of it collapsing into the throat at night.
- Combination mouthpieces: Designed for cases where both the jaw and tongue contribute to snoring, addressing both factors simultaneously to improve airflow and reduce snoring.
Do Mouth Guards Actually Help With Snoring?
Yes, mouth guards can help reduce snoring, though their effectiveness depends on the cause and design of the device.
Custom-fitted dental mouthguards created by a professional, such as Dr. Joseph Wilson, are more effective than over-the-counter options because they are tailored to your unique anatomy and airway structure—answering the common question: Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring?
How a mouth guard helps with snoring:
- Prevents the collapse of soft tissues into the throat.
- Keeps the tongue from sliding backward.
- Facilitates smoother airflow and greatly reduces vibrations.
- Supports better oxygen flow during sleep.
Studies have indeed shown that properly fitted mandibular advancement appliances can reduce snoring intensity and frequency by as much as 80% in many users.
Custom Mouth Guards vs. Store-Bought Ones
Over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” mouthguards may offer temporary relief but often fit poorly and can cause jaw discomfort.
Professional mouthguards from Orthodental Inc. come with many added advantages:
- Custom-fit for comfort and safety.
- Durable and manufactured from medical-grade materials.
- Adjustable for precision and long-term service.
- Effective for individuals who snore and those with mild sleep apnea.
Poorly fitted mouthpieces can worsen snoring or cause teeth misalignment; therefore, a professional evaluation is always strongly recommended.
The Role of Dr. Joseph Wilson and Our Team
At Orthodental Inc. in Gallup, New Mexico, Dr. Joseph Wilson and our experienced dental team offer personalized treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Using advanced imaging, digital impressions, and individualized treatment planning, we ensure every appliance fits precisely and comfortably.
We take the time to evaluate:
- Your airway and jaw position.
- Sleep patterns and symptoms.
- Any undiagnosed dental or bite issues.
- Coexisting sleep apnea signs.
Our patient-focused approach ensures your mouth guard is not only comfortable but also effective in promoting restful, snore-free sleep.
Are Mouth Guards Comfortable?
Although patients often worry about discomfort, custom snoring mouth guards are typically easy to wear and painless after an adjustment period.
Most people only take a few nights to adjust, after which time they often report:
- Improved nighttime breathing..
- Less wakefulness and restlessness.
- More energy and alertness during the day.
At Orthodental Inc., we’re dedicated to helping our patients achieve comfortable, uninterrupted sleep. Schedule a consultation today to see how a custom mouthguard can make a difference.
Can Mouth Guards Also Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
Mouth guards work on the same principle for snoring and sleep apnea—keeping the airway open. They can provide significant relief for mild to moderate sleep apnea; however, severe cases may require other forms of treatment.
Benefits of a mouth guard for sleep apnea:
- Non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines.
- Portable for travel.
- Quieter and more comfortable.
- Easier to maintain long-term.
If your snoring is accompanied by choking or gasping during sleep, Dr. Joseph Wilson may refer you for a sleep study to confirm or rule out sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, our Gallup team can create a dual-function oral appliance that reduces both snoring and apnea symptoms.
When to Consider a Mouth Guard for Snoring
If you’re unsure whether you need professional intervention, ask yourself:
- Do I snore most nights or wake up feeling unrefreshed?
- Does your partner say you stop breathing during sleep?
- Do I feel sleepy or irritable during the day?
- Have I tried other snoring remedies without success?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, don’t wait—schedule a consultation at Orthodental Inc. We’ll determine whether a custom mouth guard is the right solution or recommend the best alternative for your needs.
How to Care for Your Mouth Guard
Proper care will prolong the life of your mouth guard and help keep your mouth healthy.
Care tips:
- Rinse the device with cold water after each use.
- Deep clean weekly with a dental-safe soak.
- Store it in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Keep the mouth guard away from hot water to prevent damage or warping.
- Schedule follow-up visits for adjustment and cleaning.
At our Gallup dental office in New Mexico, we provide each patient with detailed care instructions to ensure long-term effectiveness and proper hygiene of their mouth guard.
Benefits Beyond Snoring Relief
Reducing snoring doesn’t just make for a quieter night—it also supports overall health and well-being. When sleep is restful, both the body and mind can recover and rejuvenate properly.
Additional benefits of using a mouth guard include:
- Better oxygenation and cardiovascular support.
- Relief from morning dryness or a sore throat.
- Improvement in mood and energy.
- Reduced nighttime awakenings.
- Stronger relationships through better shared rest.
Research shows that reducing snoring can also help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of daytime fatigue.
Geographic Service Areas
Orthodental Inc proudly serves patients throughout Gallup, NM and the surrounding region, including Farmington, NM; Cortez, CO; and other nearby communities.
If you’re seeking effective snoring treatment, you can trust our compassionate care and advanced dental technology here in Gallup to help you sleep better.
Can Mouth Guards Stop Snoring? The Final Takeaway
So, do mouth guards help with snoring? Yes—custom-fitted mouth guards by a qualified professional, like Dr. Joseph Wilson at Orthodental Inc., can significantly improve sleep quality and how you feel each morning.
Snoring doesn’t have to be part of your nightly routine. With expert care and a custom-fitted mouthguard, you can enjoy quiet, restorative sleep.
Schedule Your Consultation Today at Orthodental Inc.
Is snoring keeping you or your loved one awake at night? Wondering, Do Mouth Guards Help With Snoring? Reclaim your nights and improve your health by acting now. Call Orthodental Inc. in Gallup to schedule your personalized snoring consultation with Dr. Joseph Wilson and our caring dental team. Take the first step toward truly restful sleep.
We assess your needs, review your treatment options, and create a custom mouth guard designed to improve your breathing, sleep, and overall well-being.
Don’t wait any longer; sleep peacefully once more. Call Orthodental Inc or book online now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mouth guards really work for snoring?
Yes, they can be highly effective if the condition results from the collapse of the airways or jaw positioning. Custom-fitted guards achieve the best results.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients find improvement within the first few nights of use.
Can a store-bought mouth guard help with snoring?
They can offer mild improvements, but professionally made mouth guards fit better and last longer.
Are mouth guards safe to use overnight?
Yes, if fitted by a dentist. Over-the-counter versions may sometimes cause jaw discomfort or shifting.
Can a mouth guard treat sleep apnea?
Yes, some mouth guards are able to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea by keeping the airway open.
How do I clean my mouth guard?
Rinse your mouth guard after each use and soak it once a week in a non-alcoholic dental cleaner. Always store it in its case when not in use.
