Snoring disorders

Tongue snoring is a form of snoring in which the tongue blocks the airways, causing snoring noises. Other complaints that often occur in this context are

• Loud and irregular snoring noises
• Irritated mucous membranes
• Sore throat
• Daytime tiredness
• High blood pressure

One of the most common causes of tongue snoring is a weak tongue. In the supine position during sleep, the tongue can fall backwards into the throat and block the airways. Anatomical features such as an enlarged tongue, narrowed airways or a deep palate structure can also increase the risk of tongue snoring, as can obesity – because additional fatty tissue around the neck and throat increases the pressure on the airways.

Tongue snoring often occurs in the supine position, as this increases the likelihood of the tongue falling into the throat. With increasing age, the elasticity of the tissues in the throat can also decrease, which increases the risk of snoring, including tongue snoring. Relaxation of the muscles through the consumption of alcohol and sedative medication can also make snoring worse.

Treatment for tongue snoring can range from losing weight to changing your sleeping position to using snoring splints.

However, if your tongue snoring is severe, you should consult an ENT doctor or sleep specialist.
If your ENT doctor has diagnosed you with tongue snoring, further treatment in our orthodontic dental practice takes place in several steps:

1. Consultation and examination: After a thorough anamnesis and examination of the teeth and jaw, we discuss the exact course of treatment and clarify all your questions. An apnoea screening, i.e. a measurement of the number of breathing interruptions during sleep, should have already been carried out by a specialist or in a sleep laboratory.
2. Intraoral scan: We then create a 3D scan of your teeth. We use this digital impression and a special bite registration to produce the splints with a precise fit.
3. Production of the snoring splint: Your snoring splints are then manufactured in our laboratory from a transparent plastic and customised to your specific needs. This ensures optimum protection and maximum wearing comfort.
4. Fitting and care instructions: During the fitting, we make sure that the splints fit perfectly and give you tips on care and cleaning.

The cost of snoring splints may be covered by health insurance if sleep apnoea with breathing interruptions is present and therefore necessary. In this case, the statutory health insurance fund may cover the costs. Otherwise, in the case of pure snoring without breathing interruptions, you will have to bear the costs yourself.