If you snore loudly, your partner might complain about the noise at night. But snoring could also disrupt your own sleep schedule. Low-quality sleep can impact cognition as well as your cardiovascular system. And it could even put your oral health at risk.
This annoying behavior therefore should not be ignored. Fortunately, your dentist can help you treat this issue in some cases since the airway connects so closely to your teeth and gums. Read on to learn more about the link between a chronic snoring habit and the health of your teeth and gums.
Do Dental Problems Cause Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the muscles or soft tissue at the back of the throat, including the tongue, relax and result in a narrowing or partial blocking of the airway. Then when you breathe, the passing air vibrates the tissue which produces the sound.
Many factors can contribute to this phenomenon, including dental problems. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, you might experience crowding that might encourage a blockage or snoring.
A dentist can straighten your teeth using Invisalign. These clear, plastic aligners gradually push your teeth into a more aligned position in the mouth. Then you have less likelihood of snoring as well as other oral health complications.
Missing teeth, sleep apnea, and other concerns can also contribute to snoring. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your snoring and offer appropriate treatment to resolve the symptom. They can replace lost teeth or provide you with a custom night guard that can relieve sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea refers to a disorder in which tissue collapse at the back of the throat results in a brief cessation of breathing during sleep. While not life-threatening, you might see snoring as a side effect of this condition. The night guard keeps the jaw aligned in a way that discourages this problem.
Can Chronic Snoring Hurt My Smile?
While snoring might happen because of oral health problems, chronic snoring might create additional dental issues without treatment. Many people who snore also sleep with their mouths open. This habit will dry out your mouth, creating an environment where bacteria can spread easily across your teeth.
Then you can have a higher risk of oral infections, including gum disease. You will need a dentist’s help to eradicate gum disease. With this condition, you can see irritated, inflamed gums, gum recession, and more dental damage that could result in tooth loss.
Preserve your dental structure by preventing dental problems like gum disease. While a dentist can restore your smile in many cases, you should protect your natural smile for as long as you can. You can do this by eliminating risk factors, including chronic snoring.
Consult with your dentist to find the right treatment to resolve this and other harmful oral habits. Call your dentist in Charlotte, NC at 704.486.8911 to schedule an appointment today.