7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
What Causes Snoring
With the National Sleep Foundation estimating that up to half of the U.S. population snores, it might seem like something too normal to be worth mentioning to a doctor, let alone a dentist. However, snoring happens when the airway is obstructed during sleep, whether by the tongue or the soft tissues in the mouth. In many cases, snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, which has a variety of negative effects on the body that range from fatigue all the way to cardiovascular problems.
Snoring can also be influenced by factors such as weight, alcohol consumption, sleep position, and the natural anatomy of a person's airway. While occasional snoring may seem harmless, chronic snoring that disrupts your sleep or the sleep of those around you is worth taking seriously and discussing with a professional who can evaluate the underlying cause.
What Does Snoring Have to Do With My Teeth
A snoring habit is often paired with mouth breathing, which leaves the mouth dry and more vulnerable to the bacteria responsible for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Snoring doesn’t always mean sleep apnea, but when it does, an oral appliance can help keep the airway open to facilitate healthier, more restful (and quieter) sleep.
Beyond dryness, the connection between snoring and oral health runs deeper than many patients realize. Chronic mouth breathing can change the resting position of the tongue and jaw over time, contributing to bite issues and even facial structure changes in younger patients. In adults, the repeated strain of obstructed breathing during sleep can also accelerate tooth grinding and clenching, placing significant stress on the teeth, jaw muscles, and joints night after night.
What is an Oral Appliance for Snoring
An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device worn during sleep that works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open throughout the night. Unlike CPAP machines, which many patients find uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently, oral appliances are small, quiet, and easy to travel with. Here is what you can expect:
- Non-invasive — No surgery, no masks, and no machines. The appliance simply slips in before bed and is removed in the morning.
- Immediate Adjustment — Most patients notice an improvement in sleep quality within the first few nights of use.
- Easy Maintenance — Oral appliances are simple to clean and maintain, and Dr. Brittain will schedule periodic checkups to ensure the fit remains optimal over time.
- Dual Benefit — In addition to reducing snoring and improving airway function, the appliance can also protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching.
Dr. Brittain 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 480-719-6994 or email us to schedule an appointment so that Dr. Brittain can see the impact it’s having on the snorer’s dental health and arrange a test for sleep apnea.