Snoring Solutions: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Dentists Recommend
Let’s face it, snoring isn’t just background noise. It can wreck your sleep, frustrate your partner, and sometimes point to bigger health concerns.
If you’re tired of waking up to an elbow in the ribs, or delivering one yourself, you’ve probably wondered: Which remedies actually help, and which ones are just gimmicks?
Let’s break it down!
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring starts when airflow is blocked while you sleep. That blockage makes the soft tissues in your throat vibrate, which causes the sound we associate with snoring.
Common reasons include:
Sleeping flat on your back
Seasonal allergies or chronic congestion
Relaxed throat muscles while sleeping
Extra weight that puts pressure on the airway
Structural issues like a misaligned bite or small jaw
Sometimes, snoring is just inconvenient. Other times, it’s linked to sleep apnea, a more serious condition that can affect your health long term.
Snoring “Fixes” That Don’t Do Much
The internet and store shelves are full of “solutions,” but most don’t address the root cause:
Nasal strips: They might help with a stuffy nose, but not if the problem is deeper in the airway.
Generic mouthguards: Often bulky and uncomfortable, which is why they rarely get used for long.
Sprays or throat oils: Pleasant scents, zero lasting results.
Alcohol or sleeping pills: These actually relax your airway more, making snoring worse.
Lifestyle Tweaks That May Help
While there’s no magic cure, some changes may reduce snoring:
Training yourself to sleep on your side
Skipping alcohol before bed
Managing allergies to keep airways clear
Making healthy weight adjustments if needed
Even small changes can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
What Dentists Recommend (The Real Solutions)
This is where dental care comes in. Dentists who are trained in sleep medicine can design custom oral appliances that keep your airway open while you sleep.
Think of them as a comfortable, custom-fitted retainer that repositions your jaw and tongue so you can breathe easier.
Benefits include:
Personalized fit (no off-the-shelf sizing)
Portable and easy to wear nightly
Proven effective for many cases of snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea
They’re a solid choice if you’re looking for an alternative to CPAP therapy or just want something less complicated.
NightLase®: A Non-Surgical Gentle Procedure
Here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we provide NightLase® therapy. One of the main advantages of NightLase® is that it does not require the use of a device during sleep or involve any chemical treatment or anesthesia. This makes the procedure gentle and easy for patients and their loved ones, providing them with a natural way to achieve a restful night’s sleep. It is a quick, and gentle procedure that aims to improve the quality of a patient’s sleep. It is a non-invasive approach to reducing the effects of sleep apnea and decreasing the intensity of snoring using a gentle, superficial Er:YAG laser light.
When to Seek Professional Help
Snoring may not always seem serious, but it can signal more than lost sleep. If you notice loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, or persistent daytime fatigue, it’s important to be checked for sleep apnea. Untreated, it can raise your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
The Takeaway
Not every snoring “remedy” is worth your money. While lifestyle habits can help, the most effective solutions often come from a dentist who can provide a custom oral appliance or NightLase® treatment.
Want to sleep peacefully again? Our Austin dental team can help you find a solution that’s comfortable, effective, and right for you!
Ready to take the first step towards better sleep?
Snoring may be a nuisance, but sleep apnea is a serious health concern. The good news? Both are treatable! Contact Goehring Dental today to explore personalized treatment options to help you breathe easier, snore less, and finally feel rested.
Schedule a consultation today by giving us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below. Together, we can make restless nights and snoring a thing of the past!
