Snoring — Talk to Your Dentist to Get Help
What Causes Snoring?
The National Sleep Foundation estimates that as many as half of all Americans snore, a prevalence that might lead many people to dismiss it as unremarkable and not worth raising with a physician or dentist. Yet snoring has a specific physiological cause: during sleep, the airway becomes obstructed, typically by the tongue or soft tissues within the mouth. This obstruction is frequently a sign of sleep apnea, a condition associated with a range of adverse health consequences that extend from chronic fatigue to cardiovascular complications.
What Does Snoring Have to Do With My Teeth?
Mouth breathing, which frequently accompanies snoring, reduces saliva flow and creates a dry oral environment that is more susceptible to the bacteria associated with tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. While snoring is not always indicative of sleep apnea, in cases where it is, an oral appliance may be used to help maintain an open airway and support more restful, quieter sleep.
Dr. Donn Can Help
You might be surprised to learn that the dentist is one of the best people to help with snoring-related issues. If you or someone in your household snores regularly, give us a call at 856-424-7477 or email us to schedule an appointment so that Dr. Donn can see the impact it’s having on the snorer’s dental health and arrange a test for sleep apnea.