Although snoring is a common issue, it can indicate significant health problems. Over 80 million individuals in North America snore while sleeping, impacting their sleep quality and that of their family members. However, there are effective treatments available for chronic snoring.
What causes snoring?
Various factors can cause snoring. One of the most common causes is the relaxation of muscles and soft tissue in the throat and mouth. This narrows the air passage, making it harder for air to pass through. This can result in vibrations over the soft tissues, causing a distinct snoring sound.
Snoring can be caused by several factors, including Excessive throat or nasal tissue, often due to obesity or anatomical factors
- Sleep position, mainly sleeping on the back
- Alcohol consumption or sedative use, which relaxes the throat muscles
- Aging, as throat muscles tend to lose tone and elasticity
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, particularly in children
- Certain anatomical conditions, such as a deviated septum or narrow airway
- Smoking, which can irritate the airways and cause inflammation
- Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep
What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?
Do you snore at night? A mandibular advancement device (MAD) may be the solution to help you get a better night’s sleep! The MAD is a dental device that gently keeps your lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position.
This increases the space in your airway passage and helps you breathe better, allowing for a full and quiet night’s sleep. Some devices also prevent your tongue from falling back over your windpipe. Your dentist can fit these special appliances to address your condition.
Is a MAD comfortable?
The answer is simple YES! A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is designed to balance effectiveness and comfort. While comfort levels may vary from person to person, many individuals find MADs to be relatively comfortable to wear during sleep.
The MAD is custom-made to fit the individual’s mouth, which helps enhance comfort and ensure a proper fit. It is typically made of acrylic material and is designed to be smooth and non-irritating to the oral tissues. The adjustable nature of the MAD allows for fine-tuning the advancement of the lower jaw to a comfortable position.
It’s worth mentioning that using a MAD may require an adjustment period for some people. Getting used to having the device in your mouth might take a few nights. You may experience temporary side effects such as excessive saliva, jaw discomfort, or minor changes in your bite, but these usually go away as your mouth adapts to the appliance.
