Tongue Snoring: What the Term Does and Does Not Tell You

“Tongue snoring” is a popular description, but it is not a diagnosis you can establish from the sound of snoring. The tongue can contribute to narrowing of the upper airway during sleep. Other tissues and nasal breathing may matter at the same time.

Why the tongue can be involved

The position and size of the tongue are among the factors that can affect the space available for airflow. In obstructive sleep apnea, the tongue may move backwards and contribute to blockage. That does not mean every person who snores has the same site or degree of obstruction.

Why an awake home test is limited

Making a snoring-like sound while awake, then sticking out or biting the tongue, does not recreate breathing during sleep. A change in that sound cannot confirm “tongue-based” snoring or rule out sleep apnea.

Likewise, a high or low pitch is not a dependable way to choose treatment. Use recordings, if agreed, to illustrate a concern rather than to label the anatomy responsible.

Describe symptoms before choosing a device

Bring observations about position, frequency, waking and daytime alertness to your assessment. Mention any witnessed breathing interruptions. The clinician can decide whether a sleep test or another examination is appropriate.

This is especially helpful before spending money on a tongue-retaining product simply because an online questionnaire assigned you a snoring “type”.

Ask what an oral appliance is intended to do

A mandibular advancement device positions the lower jaw forward. A tongue-retaining device uses a different approach to hold the tongue forward. Suitability, fit and follow-up matter; the devices are not interchangeable with sports guards or tooth-grinding guards.

Ask who will assess your dental health, explain care and monitor the result. Comfort is important, but it is not the only measure of effectiveness when sleep apnea is being treated.

What a spray cannot establish

A response to an anti-snoring spray does not identify which tissue was responsible for the noise. Asonor’s intended action is lubrication and hydration of throat mucosa; it does not reposition the tongue or treat sleep apnea.

Start with a clear description of your symptoms. A precise assessment is more useful than an appealing label that points directly to a product.

Keep reading

• How a dentist can help with snoring

Sources and further reading

• NHLBI: Sleep apnea causes and risk factors
• NHLBI: Sleep apnea treatment

Published by TannerMedico A/S, the manufacturer of Asonor. This article provides general information for adults and does not replace individual medical advice.