What Dental Issues Can Cause Snoring? A Guide to Better Sleep and Oral Health

Everyone snores sometimes, but what if it becomes a constant issue? Chronic snoring can disturb your sleep, affect your partner’s rest, and may even pose health risks.

Snoring is often thought of as a sleep issue, but did you know it can also be linked to dental health? Certain dental and oral issues can contribute to snoring, affecting your sleep and health. Understanding the connection between your oral health and snoring can help you get solutions with your dentist. This blog discusses the primary dental issues that can cause snoring and how a dentist in Bella Vista can help you find effective solutions.

Misaligned Jaw and Bite Issues 

One of the most common dental issues that can lead to snoring is jaw misalignment. A misaligned jaw can cause airway obstruction, especially when you’re lying down. When the jaw doesn’t align properly, it can force the tongue back, narrowing the airway and creating the vibrations that result in snoring. People with an overbite, underbite, or crossbite are more prone to experiencing these issues.

Jaw alignment treatments can help reduce snoring in these cases. A qualified dentist in Bella Vista may suggest orthodontic solutions. It includes braces or corrective appliances to realign the jaw and reduce the snoring problem.

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism) 

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is often linked to snoring because it puts pressure on the jaw and can obstruct the airway. When you grind your teeth at night, the muscles around the jaw become tense. It can worsen snoring by pushing the tongue backward into the throat. This disrupts sleep quality and causes more severe breathing issues, like sleep apnoea.

If you’re struggling with snoring and bruxism, a dentist in Bella Vista can help by creating a custom mouthguard that alleviates grinding and opens up the airway. This simple solution can provide relief from snoring and protect your teeth from further damage.

Poor Oral Structure 

Sometimes, natural variations in oral anatomy becomes a root cause of snoring. For example, people with a small jaw or large tonsils often experience restricted airways, leading to snoring. Similarly, a soft palate or elongated uvula can also narrow the airway, causing vibrations as you breathe during sleep.

These structural issues may need specific interventions, including possible surgical solutions. It helps to widen the airway. Dentists treating sleep-related breathing disorders can check and recommend a suitable treatment plan. The plan depends on your specific anatomy and snoring severity.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Snoring 

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. This condition is generally associated with snoring. The blocked or narrowed airways can result in breathing disruptions and audible snoring. Your dentist can choose dental implants in Bella Vista, or other oral appliances to help patients with mild to moderate OSA. Dentists trained in sleep apnoea treatments can guide you on using these oral devices to minimise snoring and promote better sleep.

Missing Teeth and Dental Implants 

Missing teeth can also contribute to snoring. When teeth are missing, it can lead to changes in the structure of the jaw and mouth, impacting the alignment of the jaw and tongue. This misalignment can cause airflow obstructions, resulting in snoring.

If you have missing teeth, seeking options for replacement, such as dental implants in Bella Vista, could help reduce your snoring. Dental implants restore structure to your jaw, helping to maintain proper alignment and reducing the risk of snoring.

How a Dentist in Can Help with Snoring 

If you’re dealing with snoring and suspect it may be linked to a dental issue, consulting a dentist in Bella Vista can be an effective first step. Dentists having expertise in sleep-related dental treatments can check the structure of your mouth and identify the root causes of snoring. The problem may be due to jaw alignment, missing teeth, or other factors. Treatment options may include:

Custom Oral Appliances 

The appliances, like mouthguards, can reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction. 

Orthodontic Adjustments 

Braces or aligners may be used to correct misalignments and improve airflow. 

Dental Implants

Implants help restore mouth structure, which can ease airway restrictions caused by missing teeth.

More About Dental Implants in Bella Vista from Your Experienced Dentist 

Snoring may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can be a sign of underlying dental or structural issues affecting your health. By identifying the root causes, you can take steps toward better sleep and overall wellness. A dentist in Bella Vista, like the experts of Dentistry on Solent, can help you explore these solutions. We also use our expertise and innovative techniques to offer dental implants in Bella Vistal to minimise your discomfort. We will allow you to enjoy restful nights and improved oral health. So, don’t let snoring hold you back from a good night’s sleep—Contact us at (02) 9158 6137 to learn more about it.