Sleep Dentistry for Snoring
If you snore, it can disrupt your sleep and that of your partner. But snoring is sometimes more than a sleep-disturbing annoyance. It can sometimes be a sign of a hidden health condition that’s more serious. Snoring affects both men and women, young or old.
There are many factors that can be causing you to snore and there are steps you can take to mitigate these factors and help reclaim uninterrupted and restful sleep. Anyone can develop a snoring problem, although according to stats Canada, you’re more likely to snore if you’re overweight or obese, drink alcohol in the evenings before bed, are a smoker or sleep on your back but it is well-known nowadays that the potential dental issues can also cause chronic snoring.
Dental Issues That Can Cause Snoring
What causes snoring?
Snoring can be caused by a number of factors. Habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and sleeping in certain positions can contribute to a blocked airway and lead to snoring. However, oral health and the physiology of your teeth and mouth can also cause snoring and a number of serious health conditions.
Missing teeth
Whether you lost a tooth in an injury or had some surgically removed, missing teeth can impact the physiology of your mouth and narrow your airway which can cause snoring.
Misaligned jaw
If you’re suffering from an overbite or TMJ, your jaw may be struggling to support itself during sleep. Without proper jaw support, your tongue may be partially blocking your airway.
Crowded teeth
A crowded smile, especially for those with a small or narrow jaw, leaves less room for the tongue to sit comfortably and often pushes it further back into the mouth. Additionally, those who have not had their wisdom teeth removed may experience swelling of the tissue surrounding the exposed area, which can lead to further inflammation around the airway.
Overly relaxed throat muscles or enlarged tissue
If the muscles in your throat and tongue are too relaxed during sleep, they begin to vibrate against each other, partially blocking airflow.
Did you know that a dentist can help you stop snoring?
At Ari Dentistry we can do a thorough examination and help you determine if your teeth are the cause of your snoring.
