Snoring is so common it's easy to brush off — but sometimes it's worth a closer look. Not all snoring is dangerous, but loud, frequent snoring — especially with gasping, pauses, or daytime exhaustion — can be a sign of sleep apnea. For simple snoring and for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance is a comfortable, mask-free way to quiet it.
When snoring is probably harmless
Occasional, quiet snoring — after a glass of wine, with a cold, or sleeping on your back — usually isn't cause for concern.
When it's a red flag
Take it seriously if your snoring is loud and frequent, or if there's gasping or choking, pauses in breathing, waking up unrefreshed, morning headaches, or a partner who's noticed you stop breathing. Those can point to sleep apnea — and it's worth understanding the difference between snoring and sleep apnea.
Why snoring happens
Snoring is the sound of air squeezing past a narrowed airway while you sleep, often when the tongue and soft tissues relax and partially block the throat.
How a custom oral appliance helps
A custom-fitted appliance gently holds your lower jaw and airway in a more open position while you sleep, which can dramatically reduce or eliminate snoring — no mask, no hose, no noise.
Custom vs. drugstore snore guards
Over-the-counter snore guards are one-size-fits-all and not adjustable, and they can cause jaw discomfort or shift your teeth. A custom appliance is precisely fitted to your bite, adjustable, made for nightly long-term use, and supervised by a dentist. Just as important: a drugstore device can quiet the sound while hiding underlying sleep apnea — which is why, if there's any chance it's apnea, we coordinate a physician's evaluation first.
A quieter night for both of you
Snoring is rarely a one-person problem. A quieter night for you is a quieter night for whoever shares your bed, too.
Tired of snoring — or tired of hearing it? Book a consultation at Old Betsy Dental Sleep Medicine in Keene. Book online or call our team.