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Home For Patients Dental Blog How Snoring Can Ruin Your Oral Health

How Snoring Can Ruin Your Oral Health


Posted on 1/15/2025 by Beaverton Oral Surgeons
 Patient holding pillow to ear to drown out snoring husband before appointment atBeaverton Oral Surgeons in Hillsboro, OR Have you ever noticed your loved one or roommate snoring? While it may seem like a harmless habit, snoring can actually have a significant impact on your oral health. In this post, we'll explore how snoring can lead to sleep apnea, and how sleep apnea can negatively affect your oral health. We'll also offer some tips on how to improve your oral health by addressing snoring.

What is Snoring?


Snoring occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and vibrate as you breathe. This can partially or completely block the airway, causing the distinctive sound of snoring. For many people, snoring is simply a nuisance. However, for others, it can be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?


Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. During these pauses, the oxygen levels in your blood drop, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

•  High blood pressure
•  Heart disease
•  Stroke
•  Depression
•  Diabetes

How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Oral Health


Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your oral health in several ways. First, the constant vibration of the soft tissues in your throat can irritate and inflame your gums, increasing your risk of gum disease. Second, the dry mouth caused by sleep apnea can contribute to tooth decay. Finally, sleep apnea can also lead to teeth grinding, or bruxism, which can wear down your teeth and cause TMJ disorders.

How to Improve Your Oral Health by Addressing Snoring


If you're concerned about the impact of snoring on your oral health, there are a few things you can do:

•  See a doctor: If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment options for sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or surgery.
•  Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups, can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
•  Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help to keep your mouth moist, which can reduce snoring and improve your oral health.
•  Avoid alcohol and smoking: Both alcohol and smoking can worsen snoring and increase your risk of oral health problems.
•  Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to reduce snoring.

Conclusion


Snoring can have a significant impact on your oral health. If you're concerned about snoring, it's important to see a doctor to rule out sleep apnea. By addressing snoring and sleep apnea, you can improve your oral health and overall well-being.

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