Snoring is much more than loud noises that can keep you and others up at night. The condition occurs when the soft tissues in the throat relax while sleeping. This causes vibration in the throat, which triggers the unwanted sound. What’s not commonly known is snoring can affect your dental health. The following guide discusses how snoring affects dental health and how cosmetic dentists treat the disorder. 

Can Snoring Impact Your Dental Health?

Snoring may cause dental problems by creating dry mouth. Known as xerostomia, the condition occurs when not enough saliva is released to lubricate the mouth. Over time, this lack of moisture can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. 

Frequent snoring may also be a problem for denture wearers. Cosmetic dentists say the tongue can become extremely dry or dimpled, which can affect the proper placement of dentures. 

Xerostomia creates an environment in the mouth for bacteria to grow and produce painful sores and infections. If saliva is lacking, dead cells in the cheeks, gums, and tongue are not washed away. The result can be halitosis or bad breath. 

How Can You Manage Your Dental Health?

Some at-home steps you can try to minimize snoring is drinking plenty of water for hydration and sleeping with a humidifier. This will help combat dry mouth, which will alleviate snoring. 

Regarding the impact of snoring on your dental health, limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods and beverages. These items can cause dry mouth. Instead, suck on sugar-free gum or candies, ice chips, and popsicles to stimulate saliva production. Additionally, consume foods with broth, gravy, and sauces to increase water intake.

If you wear dentures, soak them overnight in an approved denture solution to promote moisture in the mouth throughout the day. Moisten your mouth before bed with mouthwash to kill harmful dry mouth-causing bacteria.

It’s crucial to continue to brush and floss at least twice a day and schedule regular appointments with your general or cosmetic dentist. 

Being proactive is the first step in combating snoring and its impact on your oral hygiene. Waterford Dental Health in Waterford, CT, provides a comprehensive approach for preventative care and customized treatment. The cosmetic dentists offer general dentistry care to protect your teeth and gums, dental veneers, and implants. To learn more about snoring and dental health, call (860) 447-2235. Visit the website to browse their services.