Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have major health consequences.
What is Snoring?
Snoring is caused by a blockage in the airway. The obstruction can be caused by:
- Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse into the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely.
- Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor.
- Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children.
- Long uvula or soft palate
- Nasal congestion
- Deviated septum
People who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a potentially serious condition in which your breathing lapses while you are snoozing. This can occur hundreds of times at night.
If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also influenced. Failure to get enough restorative sleep contributes to a host of physical and mental conditions.
Most of us have experienced trouble concentrating when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication?
Other possible problems include heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes.
So why is a post about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? Your dentist can help treat either of these potentially dangerous conditions.
If you suspect that you suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea, we invite you to book an appointment with Smiles For Life Dental Care today.
Contact Smiles For Life Dental Care:
540-828-2312Â Â Â (Bridgewater)
540-414-0371Â Â Â (Staunton)
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
115 Oakwood Dr.
Bridgewater, Virginia
22812
502 N Coalter St.
Staunton, Virginia
24401
