The Connection Between Snoring and Your Oral Health

Do you have a snoring problem? A visit to the dentist can help you determine if your snoring is due to an oral problem or not.

Out of the 25% of Americans who snore regularly, a significant number have or later develop oral health problems. This begs the question: Is there a connection between snoring and your oral health?

What Is Snoring?

While asleep, soft tissues on the roof of your mouth relax to a certain degree. However, if these muscles relax beyond their threshold, they can obstruct the airflow in and out of your airway and cause vibration/snoring sounds.

• People who frequently snore likely have:
• Enlarged tonsils
• Physical abnormalities, e.g., obesity
• Nasal congestion
• Smoking or drinking habits
• Dental problems

Is Snoring a Sign of Later Health Complications?

Frequent snoring can lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and then starts repeatedly as you sleep. With this type of sleep disorder, you’re less likely to get enough rest, and your body may become susceptible to a host of other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure. Sleep apnea can also cause the body to produce excess amounts of hormones, which can cause serious consequences, including anxiety and stress.

• The common signs of sleep apnea include:
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Dry mouth and sore throat
• Mood disturbances
• Restlessness when sleeping
• Abrupt awakenings at night

Can Dental Problems Cause Snoring?

The relationship between dental structure and snoring is almost symbiotic, as one can hardly exist without the other.

During a dental checkup, your dentist can determine whether you have dental problems that could be contributing to your snoring tendencies. In most severe snoring cases, you may find that you have tooth wear, misaligned jaws, or red throats. Missing teeth also change the structural construct of your face, which can mean narrowed airways, leading to snoring.

How Does Snoring Affect Your Oral Health?

Frequent snoring can attract a host of oral health problems. For starters, snoring with your mouth open for long periods can lead to a dry mouth, which can in turn cause:

• Bad Breath – Food debris decomposed between your teeth and gums causes chronic bad breath without saliva to wash it away.
• Bacteria Build Up – Bacteria buildup is faster in your mouth when there’s no saliva to control its growth. As a result, bacteria buildup can lead to harmful mouth infections and gum diseases.
• Dead Cell Accumulation – Your soft tissues may lack a strong protective layer when there’s no saliva to replace the dead cells with new ones.

Improve Your Oral Health Today

Do you have a snoring problem? A visit to the dentist can help you determine if your snoring is due to an oral problem or not. Most importantly, regular dental visits will help you avoid snoring-related oral complications.

Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today if you’d like to schedule a dental checkup or want to find out if there is a connection between your snoring and your oral health.