Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which relaxation of the muscles around the tongue and throat cause the tissues to block airflow to the lungs while you sleep. Snoring is a major indicator, but not all symptoms are not so obvious. One way to treat excessive snoring and sleep apnea is to use dental or oral devices. These appliances are useful in correcting mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The good news is that there are numerous options for these dental devices.
The most widely used mouth device for sleep apnea is the mandibular advancement device (MAD). It looks similar to mouth guards used in sports and works by forcing the lower jaw down and forward slightly. This offers tremendous help in keeping the airway open, therefore preventing problems in breathing.
Used less commonly than MAD, the tongue retaining device is a splint that holds the tongue in the right position to keep the airway open.
Your dentist will recommend a device that suits your specific needs and fit it in the safest way.
To learn more about Snoring and Sleep Apnea, visit Cochrane Dentist in Absolute Dental Care.