For many people, snoring is an extremely embarrassing and uncomfortable condition. The noises associated with snoring are caused by the vibration or flapping of the tissues lining the air passages and the soft palate (or roof of the mouth). Often the tongue may fall back into the airway narrowing the airway and at times causing blockage; this contributes to the louder snoring noises.

In most people, snoring is due to multiple factors, each playing apart in the overall snoring process. These factors include a narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway passages by anatomical blockages or from injury, as well as factors contributing to congestion of the soft tissues of the airways, for example smoking, alcohol, acid reflux from the stomach affecting the throat tissues, obesity, ageing and hormonal factors. Full dentures replace an entire set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw.

Snoring can be treated and alleviated by the use of a custom made snoring guard, which is worn at night to help hold the airways open. It does take a little while to feel at ease wearing the guard, but after a few nights you’ll find it’s comfortable enough to wear whilst sleeping.

It’s important to know that snoring is often accompanied by a more serious condition known as Sleep Apnoea. Put simply, sleep apnoea refers to the collapse of tissue around the airway, causing you to stop breathing for periods during your sleep.

There are some very serious health problems that can result from reduced oxygen going to the brain. If we feel you are suffering from this condition, we’ll refer you to a sleep specialist, who will alert you to the cause, the severity of your condition and offer advice on treatment.