Do Night Guards Help with Snoring?

If you or your partner snore at night, you understand how disruptive it can be to a good night’s sleep. Snoring not only affects sleep quality but also contributes to daytime fatigue, difficulties concentrating, and even strains relationships. It can leave both partners feeling frustrated and unrested. Naturally, many people wonder: do night guards help with snoring? In this article, we’ll explore the connection between night guards and snoring, explain how these devices work, who benefits most from them, and provide tips to maximize their effectiveness. We’ll also examine alternatives for those who find night guards aren’t the right solution.

Understanding Snoring and Its Impact

Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing the soft tissues in the throat to vibrate. Imagine air passing through a partly closed door, creating a rumbling noise—this is similar to how snoring sounds. For some, snoring happens occasionally, perhaps after a late night or alcohol consumption. For others, it can be a nightly struggle that disrupts sleep and affects overall health and well-being.

Frequent snoring often comes with restless sleep, frequent waking, morning headaches, irritability, and daytime sleepiness. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 37 million American adults are habitual snorers. Left untreated, chronic snoring can be a sign of more significant issues such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder that interrupts breathing during sleep and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you’re seeking relief from chronic snoring, you may have heard about night guards—also referred to as mandibular advancement devices (MADs). Research indicates that these devices can be an effective, non-invasive treatment for many people, particularly for snoring caused by jaw or tongue positioning rather than other medical conditions. Proper evaluation is essential to determine if they are right for you.

Who Benefits Most From Night Guards?

What Causes Snoring?

Understanding what triggers your snoring is essential to determining if a night guard might help. Several common factors lead to snoring:

• Airway Obstructions: Congested nasal passages or enlarged tonsils can block airflow.
• Jaw Alignment: During sleep, the lower jaw can naturally fall backward, narrowing the airway.
• Tongue Position: A relaxed tongue that falls back toward the throat can obstruct airflow.
• Lifestyle and Other Factors: Excess weight, alcohol consumption, certain medications, and sleeping on your back can all worsen snoring.

For example, a middle-aged man who gains weight and drinks alcohol before bed may notice his snoring worsens due to increased throat tissue and muscle relaxation. Conversely, a young woman with a naturally recessed jaw might snore primarily due to jaw alignment rather than lifestyle factors.

Signs you might benefit from a night guard include consistent, loud snoring, feeling tired despite a full night’s sleep, or daytime sleepiness that affects concentration. Night guards tend to be most helpful for people whose snoring results from jaw or tongue position issues rather than severe medical conditions like advanced sleep apnea. Identifying the cause of your snoring guides effective treatment.

Ideal Candidates for Night Guards

Night guards, particularly mandibular advancement devices, are often recommended for:

• Individuals with mild to moderate airway obstruction causing snoring
• People whose lower jaw or tongue position contributes significantly to airway narrowing
• Those without severe or complex sleep apnea (a sleep study is usually necessary to rule this out)

Dr. Lisa Monroe, a sleep specialist at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia, explains, “Night guards can be life-changing for patients who struggle with jaw-related snoring. However, it’s important to undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure a night guard is safe and appropriate.” Professional guidance is key to a successful outcome.

How Night Guards Help with Snoring: Step-by-Step

What is a Night Guard (Mandibular Advancement Device)?

A night guard designed for snoring differs from a typical mouth guard used for teeth grinding. These devices, often called mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are made to reduce snoring by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue forward while you sleep. Think of it as subtly opening a window to allow more fresh air in—this movement pulls tissues away from the airway, increasing space and reducing the vibrations that cause snoring sounds.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The first step in exploring a night guard as a solution is a consultation with a healthcare provider experienced in sleep disorders, such as the team at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia. Your provider will review your medical history and detailed sleep habits. They may recommend a sleep study to determine if your snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea or another issue. This step ensures the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. A proper diagnosis forms the foundation of successful therapy.

Step 2: Custom Fitting

Custom-fitted MADs are preferred over off-the-shelf options for best outcomes. These devices are crafted from detailed impressions of your teeth and mouth, ensuring a precise, comfortable fit. This tailored approach improves effectiveness and comfort, leading to better compliance. Many patients report a well-fitted mouthpiece feels almost unnoticeable after a few nights. Comfort and fit improve long-term use.

Step 3: Using the Night Guard

After fitting, your provider will guide you on proper insertion and removal. Usually, you place the night guard in your mouth before bedtime and remove it in the morning. Follow-up visits help check for fit, comfort, and necessary adjustments. This collaborative approach maximizes the device’s success. Regular follow-up supports lasting benefits.

Step 4: Monitoring Results

Track your snoring frequency and sleep quality after starting treatment. Many users notice improvements within days, though full effectiveness may take several weeks. If side effects (such as jaw discomfort) or persistent snoring continue, consult your provider for adjustments or alternative therapies. Ongoing monitoring helps optimize treatment.

Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness

To enhance your night guard’s benefits:

• Wear it consistently every night: Regular use is essential for effectiveness.
• Maintain cleanliness: Follow cleaning instructions carefully to preserve hygiene and device longevity—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime: These relax throat muscles and can worsen snoring.
• Practice good sleep hygiene: Sleep on your side, maintain a healthy weight, and keep a regular sleep schedule.

Patients combining these habits with night guard use often see the most significant improvements. One patient said, “After using a custom night guard and switching to side-sleeping, my snoring reduced dramatically—it even surprised my partner!” Consistent habits amplify benefits.

When Night Guards Don’t Work: What To Know

Night guards can be effective for many, but they are not a cure-all. They may be less effective or inappropriate if:

• You have severe obstructive sleep apnea, which usually requires CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or other advanced treatments.
• The device does not fit well or causes discomfort.
• Your snoring is due to multiple complex factors beyond jaw or tongue position.

Initial side effects like mild jaw discomfort, drooling, or soreness are common but generally resolve within weeks. Persistent or worsening discomfort should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Treatment must be tailored to your needs.

Alternatives to Night Guards for Snoring

If night guards aren’t effective or appropriate, other options include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss through diet and exercise
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, especially before bed
• Changing sleep position, especially avoiding sleeping on your back

Medical Treatments

• CPAP Therapy: The gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea, delivering continuous air pressure to keep airways open.
• Surgical Interventions: Used for severe anatomical obstructions to open the airway.

Other Devices

• Nasal Strips: Adhesive strips that lift nasal passages to improve airflow.
• Tongue Stabilizing Devices: Hold the tongue in place during sleep to prevent airway obstruction.

Discuss these alternatives with your provider to find the best option for your specific needs. A personalized approach leads to better results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do night guards work for everyone with snoring?
No. Studies show mandibular advancement devices reduce snoring intensity or frequency by approximately 70–72% in many appropriate users. A dental or sleep specialist can assess your suitability.

Are night guards safe to use long-term?
When properly fitted and regularly monitored, night guards are generally safe for nightly long-term use. Regular dental appointments help track any bite changes or oral health concerns.

Can I buy a night guard over the counter, or do I need a custom one?
Over-the-counter options exist, but custom-made devices provide better comfort, durability, and effectiveness. Most patients find custom devices, especially from specialized providers like Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia, more reliable.

How long does it take to see improvement in snoring?
Some users notice improvement almost immediately; others require a few weeks to adjust and observe significant changes.

Can night guards treat sleep apnea?
Night guards can help mild sleep apnea but are not suitable for moderate to severe cases unless prescribed and managed by a sleep specialist.

Ready for Better Sleep? Book an Appointment Today

If snoring is disrupting your rest or your partner’s, don’t wait to seek help. A consultation at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia is the first step toward identifying the root cause of your snoring and exploring effective treatment options—including custom night guards tailored to your needs.

Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, sleep routine, and previous snoring management attempts. To schedule an evaluation, contact Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia by phone or use the online appointment request form on our website. Quiet, restorative sleep is within reach!

References

• Family Tree Dental. Do Night Guards Stop Snoring? https://familytreedentist.com/do-night-guards-stop-snoring
• Healthline. Mouth Guards for Snoring and Sleep Apnea https://www.healthline.com/health/mouth-guard
• Journal of Sleep Research (study on MADs reducing snoring by 70%)
• Sleep and Breathing (study on 72% effectiveness of night guards for snoring)

In summary, do night guards help with snoring? For many people—especially those whose snoring is linked to jaw or tongue positioning—the answer is yes. With professional fitting and consistent use, night guards can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce disturbances for partners.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.