Snoring is not only annoying to your sleep partner; it can cause a plethora of oral health issues. Regular visits with your dentist in Wood Dale will help keep your teeth and gums in top shape. If you snore, though, you may want to let your dentist know. There are anti-snoring devices he/she can provide you with anti-snoring devices. Why would your dentist care about whether you snore or not? Because it can have a profound effect on your overall oral health. Here are some things about snoring that you need to know:
Causes of Snoring
There are many reasons you and/or your loved one snore. You are more likely to be a snorer if:
* You use alcohol, tobacco or sedatives
* You have nasal problems
* Mom or dad snore too
* You’re over the age of 40
* You’re overweight or obese
* You’re pregnant
* You still have your tonsils
Men are more prevalent to snoring, but snoring women and children can snore as well.
Oral health consequences of snoring
The biggest health issue consequence of snoring (aside from sleep apnea) is dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia. Your mouth needs saliva to moisten and coat oral tissues. Low salivary flow can cause a host of problems, including:
* Bad breath
* Infections and mouth sores
* Gum disease
* Tooth decay
* Burning mouth syndrome
Saliva works to wash away harmful bacteria and acids from the tongue, cheeks, gums and teeth. A lack of saliva can cause bacteria to linger and grow, increasing the chances of gum disease and tooth decay.
Excessive snoring can create a lack of saliva, which in turn can cause potentially serious oral health issues. Your dentist in Wood Dale can provide you with a device that fits over your teeth and gently moves your lower jaw forward. This helps maintain an open airway, allowing you to sleep without snoring. Contact Dr. Brian Homann, DDS for more details.
