Snoring isn’t just annoying; it can negatively affect your oral health. There are many different causes for snoring, and sometimes it can even be a symptom of significant illnesses. Did you know that it could be a problem with your teeth that causes snoring? Read on to learn how your teeth are causing you to snore.
What causes snoring?
When you’re asleep, the tissues in your mouth, tongue, and throat relax. Sometimes your soft tissues relax so much that you can block your airway. This blockage is more likely if you usually sleep on your back. As the air flows out through your throat, the soft tissues the air goes across start to vibrate, which causes the loud snoring sound. The more narrow your airway is, the more forceful the snoring will sound.
How do teeth cause snoring?
There are many ways teeth come into play when it comes to snoring. Missing teeth can change the shape of the tissues in your mouth, which could cause snoring. Misaligned teeth can also contribute to snoring for the same reason. Overbites and underbites also change the tissues in your mouth.
How can your dentist help?
If you are a chronic snorer, mention it to your dentist. Your dentist can make recommendations to help ease or stop your snoring altogether. Your dentist may suggest getting a sleep study done. During a sleep study, the medical professionals will monitor and analyze your sleep patterns and vital signs as you sleep. This process helps diagnose your snoring cause and will help to decide your treatment plan.
Snoring doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. If you snore at night, tell your dentist! Make an appointment at Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts with Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller today.