Do you snore when you sleep? This loud airway problem might annoy your partner, but it could also impact your well-being. It can disrupt your sleep quality, heighten your risk of medical issues, and even endanger the look and feel of your smile.
You can talk to your dentist in Suffolk, VA about your snoring habit, and they can evaluate your unique dental structure to assist you. Treating chronic snoring can protect your teeth and gums from serious dental problems. Read on to learn more about the link between snoring and your oral health.
Do Dental Problems Cause Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the soft tissue at the back of your throat relaxes during sleep to the point that they collapse within the airway. The sound stems from the vibration of these tissues as air passes through this narrowed passage. Many circumstances can contribute to this occurrence, including obesity, alcohol consumption, congestion, and a deviated septum.
But the structure of your mouth may make you more likely to snore too. If you have a misaligned jaw, for instance, you could be more prone to snoring. And if you develop concerns like tooth decay or gum disease, your teeth may shift and create a snoring problem.
Patients with sleep apnea, a disorder where the tissue at the back of the throat collapses and fully blocks the airway for a brief period, might also snore. Like the snoring symptom itself, obstructive sleep apnea can develop for many reasons. But you can consult your dentist to learn more about how your unique dental health links with this issue.
Will Chronic Snoring Create Dental Concerns?
Dental problems might contribute to developing snoring or sleep apnea. But chronic snoring itself may also lead to oral health concerns. You might already know that disrupted respiration and sleep can create medical risks and cognitive issues. But it can lead to major damage to your smile too.
Many people who snore also sleep with their mouths open. This can cause dry mouth, and a dry oral environment will allow the mouth’s natural bacteria to spread with ease across the teeth. Then you will have a heightened risk of infections like gum disease.
Gum disease can begin with inflamed gum tissue, but it can progress and eat away at your teeth and jawbone. You might suffer tooth loss and other severe dental harm. Talk to your dentist about preventative care you can use if you snore or sleep with your mouth open.
Can My Dentist Treat Snoring?
If you have mild obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring, your dentist might be able to help. A custom-made night guard worn during sleep can keep your jaw in a comfortable position that will prevent the collapse of soft tissues that cause these symptoms.
Because the appliance is built to fit your unique smile, you will not have to worry about the device slipping out of place as you sleep. Ask your dental professional if this treatment will help you with your snoring symptoms.