How Dentists Can Help with Snoring
With 15 million people that snore in the UK, it can be a drain on their sleeping partner and surrounding family members. In addition to lifestyle choices and professional assessments, the role of dentists can be useful, helping people to reduce or stop snoring by assessing the mouth, jaw, and airways, and offering treatments that improve airflow during sleep.
Snoring is not just an annoyance; it can affect sleep quality, relationships, and sometimes indicate serious health problems like obstructive sleep apnoea. Many people find that dental treatments alone can significantly reduce snoring and improve overall sleep.
Using Mandibular Advancement Devices To Stop Snoring
One of the most common dental treatments for snoring is a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This is a custom-made mouthpiece that fits over the teeth and gently moves the lower jaw forward while you sleep.
Moving the jaw forward helps keep the airway open and reduces vibrations that cause snoring. MADs are effective for around 70 to 80 percent of people with mild to moderate snoring. In the UK, the average cost of a mandibular advancement device ranges from £300 to £700, depending on the clinic and fitting complexity.
Using Tongue Stabilising Devices To Stop Snoring
Another option is a tongue stabilising device, also called a tongue retaining device. This holds the tongue forward so it does not fall back into the throat during sleep, which can block airflow.
Tongue stabilising devices are particularly useful for people who cannot use a mandibular advancement device because of jaw or dental issues. The cost in the UK is usually between £250 and £600. Both MADs and tongue stabilising devices are non-invasive, reversible, and relatively quick to fit.
Side sleeping or positional therapy can help with snoring
At What Point Are You Referred To a Snoring Specialist?
Some cases of snoring are more severe or caused by nasal or anatomical issues. Dentists can work with ENT specialists or sleep clinics to provide advice or referrals.
In severe cases, treatments may include laser surgery, radiofrequency tissue reduction, or more complex operations to remove excess tissue or correct anatomical obstructions.
Surgery is usually a last resort and can cost between £2,000 and £5,000, with recovery time required, and it is usually under private care and not available on the NHS.
What Lifestyle Choices Can Help With Snoring?
Dentists also give lifestyle advice to support snoring treatment including:
- Losing weight
- Avoiding alcohol before bed
- Avoiding sleeping pills
- Sleeping on your side rather than your back can all reduce snoring
Combining lifestyle changes with dental devices usually gives the best results.
Follow-up and Monitoring Your Snoring
Regular follow-up is important to ensure oral devices fit correctly and remain effective. Dentists check-ups, checks for jaw or dental issues that may develop from using a device and make adjustments as needed. Studies show that people using oral appliances report reduced snoring intensity in up to 85 percent of cases. Most patients notice improvement within a few weeks of using a device.
Conclusion
Dentists can help manage snoring through mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilising devices, costing between £250 and £700.
For severe cases, referral to a specialist or surgical intervention may be needed. Alongside lifestyle advice and regular follow-up, dental care offers an effective way to reduce snoring, improve sleep quality, and support overall health.
