Snoring can be a very troublesome thing. Not only can it potentially signify other serious health issues (such as sleep apnea) but it can also cause issues in relationships. I’m definitely guilty of causing ear pain because of snoring and also being a victim myself. I’ve heard that earplugs can be a good solution, but then it might keep you from hearing something important (such as a fire alarm) so that isn’t something I would recommend.
There are, however treatment options to reduce the noise created by snoring altogether that you may want to consider. A snore guard is an option that is successful at making snoring a thing of the past. A snore guard is an oral appliance (mouth piece) that helps reduce the effects of snoring by either readjusting the jaw or moving the tongue, in order to help increase air flow.
The type of snore guard you get can vary. They are usually available for purchase at your local pharmacy. You can also get them from your local Ottawa dental office such as Palladium Dental. When considering a snore guard and trying to decide whether to get one from the pharmacy or your local Ottawa dental professional, think about some of these important facts:
–Fit and Adjustment Capabilities: Over the counter snore guards are usually what they call ‘boil and bite’ technology. Essentially you boil water, place the guard in the water and the malleability of the guard changes so as to fit the shape of your mouth. Snore guards acquired from your local Ottawa dentist are custom fitted to your mouth and are adjustable for the changes in size your mouth and jaw make.
– Life of the guard: While there are some good over the counter products that exist, the life of those particular snore guards pail in comparison to that of custom designed snore guards created by your local Ottawa dental professional.
–Cost: Usually the most important factor for people when it comes to decision making; what is the bottom line. In this case, over the counter snore guards are actually cheaper than the custom fitted ones from your local Ottawa dental professional. However, it connects with the life of the product and overall quality, comfort and ability to fix the issue. Paying more money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a better experience, but more often than not you’ll end up being happier in the long run if you get a guard that is custom made for your mouth.
Before deciding on any snore guard, make sure you do your own research and get assessed by a medical professional. Ask the right questions and then you’ll be able to make the best decision based on your individualized set of circumstances.