About half of people snore at some point in their lives. It can be genetic, and it becomes more common as we age. According to sleepfoundation.org, snoring occurs in about 57% of men, 40% of women and 27% of children. If you snore, you may be experiencing some unexpected oral health issues.
Snoring happens when airway movement is obstructed while sleeping. It causes vibration that creates a sound.
Snoring leads to mouth breathing, a cause of dry mouth. Without the important protection provided by saliva, dry mouth can cause bad breath when waking up, and increase the risk for serious gum disease and tooth decay. Snoring can also cause a dry and irritated throat in the morning. Bruxism (grinding of the teeth while snoring) can lead to excessive tooth wear and/or chipping.
Before snoring leads to more problems, tell your dentist and physician that you snore. They will assess you and then advise you on preventive measures. They will also inform you if you have a more serious sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea and how to treat it.
To help with snoring, talk to your dentist and physician about simple solutions like avoiding alcohol and other sedatives before bedtime, quitting tobacco, losing weight, sleeping on your side or with your head elevated a little, and treating nasal congestion.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
