Your partner has been snoring for a long time now. It’s been interfering with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Recently it has become so loud that you’re concerned for their health. Should you take them to see their dentist in Gainesville? Do they have sleep apnea? How does snoring affect someone’s oral health? Continue reading to find out.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring happens when a person’s airway becomes partially blocked while they’re sleeping, causing tissues in the throat to vibrate. That’s what causes that annoying sound. When you sleep, the muscles of the roof of the mouth, throat, and tongue relax. Sometimes this can obstruct the airway. If it does so completely, that person has obstructive sleep apnea in Gainesville.
There are a few different causes for snoring, including:
- Anatomy: Some people may have large tonsils or adenoids that contribute to a partially or fully blocked airway at night. People who are overweight or obese tend to have thicker neck tissue which also narrows the airway and causes snoring.
- Nasal issues: Chronic nasal congestion may partially obstruct the airway.
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, or other sedatives: These products relax the muscles in the mouth and throat, making them more likely to block the airway and cause snoring.
In addition to the factors listed above, you’re more likely to snore if you’re male, over the age of 40, pregnant, or have a family history of snoring.
How Does Snoring Affect Your Oral Health?
We’ve already written about how mouth breathing is bad for your oral health, but what about snoring? The main dental issue caused by both mouth breathing and snoring is xerostomia, or dry mouth. With this condition, the mouth doesn’t have enough saliva. Saliva is important because it washes away excess bits of food and bacteria that, when left behind, cause cavities and gum disease.
They may also cause halitosis, or bad breath. When food particles are allowed to sit in the mouth, they decompose and create an odor. Lack of sufficient saliva may also create a burning sensation on the lips, tongue, gums, or palate, known as burning mouth syndrome. To reduce your chances of these oral health problems occurring, it’s important to regularly brush and floss, as well as see your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
It’s also crucial to get your snoring dealt with, especially if it’s bothering your bed partner. Most dentists these days can craft an oral appliance to cure snoring. This is a device that’s worn over the teeth that subtly shifts the jaw in order to prevent tissues in the mouth and throat from collapsing or vibrating.
Snoring is not only a loud, annoying problem, but it can also negatively impact your oral health. If you or your partner snore, visit your dentist to get that issue dealt with as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Gabriel Nossa is a dentist in Gainesville, FL who focuses on treating each of his patients like they were a member of his own family. He offers sleep apnea and snoring treatment. If you or someone you love snores, it’s time to get the help you need by contacting Dr. Nossa here or calling (352) 332-8133.