The Effects of Snoring on The Mouth

Snoring is a hoarse sound that occurs when a person’s airway is partially blocked whilst sleeping. When sleeping, the soft tissues in the throat can relax enough to partially obstruct the airway. Soft tissues in the throat vibrate as air flows past, generating the noise. The more narrowed the airway becomes, the more forceful the air flow becomes. This causes an increase in vibration of the tissues, which is what causes snoring to become louder.

Most people don’t know they snore and it affects their partner rather than them. As well as the noise being annoying and disturbing to their sleep, snoring can also affect the health of the mouth. The direct effect of snoring on the oral cavity is the cause of xerostomia (dry mouth). Xerostomia is a lack of salivary flow and saliva is needed to coat and moisten the inside of the mouth. Lack of salivary flow due to snoring may lead to various oral health problems such as bad breath, burning mouth syndrome, infections and sores, tooth decay and gum disease.

Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth by washing the tongue, gums and cheeks of accumulated dead cells. When these cells are not removed, they decompose and create an odour.

Lack of saliva may cause a burning sensation of the tongue, lips, gingiva, palate, throat or the whole mouth.

Lack of salivary flow also allows harmful bacteria and other organisms in the mouth to grow too quickly, resulting in mouth infections and sores.

Saliva is necessary to neutralize the acids produced by plaque and wash away food particles left in the mouth. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and gum disease become more prevalent.

Strict oral hygiene is imperative to reduce the chances of these oral health problems.

It can be possible to custom make a nightguard to wear when sleeping. This can be effective in helping to reduce snoring, which will reduce the risk of the above problems and to keep your partner happy. To find out more, give us a call on 020 88884401.