It’s unfortunate for any light sleeper, but snorers are some of the worst partners to sleep with. Most people just dismiss it as a normal part of sleeping because it’s just so common. But it’s far more than keeping you awake. Not only are they having issues breathing when they sleep, but they are also causing other oral health issues. But snoring is quite harmful and more importantly, affects your teeth and oral health.
While we may have snored at one point or another, the snoring can go from being a mild nuisance and disturbance to a symptom of something more serious, like sleep apnea. But what exactly is causing us to snore in the first place? Here are some common factors that can cause you to snore:
Bad habits. The use of alcohol, sedatives and even tobacco. Any one of these products can force your throat muscles to relax more than usual and promote the obstruction of the airways, which causes snoring.
Nasal problems. Those with chronic nasal congestion may interfere with their air flow every time they breathe and cause snoring.
Anatomical conditions. Some people with elongated uvulas or low, thick, soft palates, large tonsils or adenoids naturally have narrower airways, and this can cause snoring. Those who are overweight and obese do too, but this is because of the excess fat on the back of their throats.
Pregnancy. Pregnant women, those who have a long family history of snoring, those who are aged 40 and above, as well as males are more likely to develop snoring problems as well.
Dry mouth. Our teeth need saliva for protection and because snoring causes your mouth to dry out, leading to a variety of oral health problems.
For more information regarding snoring, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.
Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.