A leading dentist has revealed why snoring may be causing havoc on your oral health – and even causing bad breath.
Most people will snore at one point in their life, whether it’s because of a cold or illness that impacts their ability to breathe through their nose.
However, for 15 million sleepers across the UK, grunts and wheezes are a regular issue according to the British Snoring and Sleep Anoea Association.
Age, gender, lifestyle choices and weight are all contribute factors to a snoring issue and can also be an indicator of an underlying health issue according to dentist Dr Deepak Aulak.
The founder of AI-powered dental app Toothfairy shared the impact of snoring on your glistening smile.
1. Increased Risk Of Oral Infections
Snoring all night often leads to mouth breathing, meaning a reduction in saliva – but waking up with a dry mouth is the least of your worries.
A lack of saliva increases the risk of oral infections, and a chronic dry mouth can cause tooth decay and gum disease, as saliva is vital in maintaining good oral health.
Dr Deepak Aulak said: ‘Regular dental check-ups are crucial, not just for maintaining overall oral health but also for specifically addressing dry mouth concerns.
‘By monitoring your oral health regularly, we can spot any early signs of dry mouth and implement the appropriate interventions to alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications.’
2. Tooth Decay
Bad breath is not the nicest aroma in the morning, however, a bout of ghastly breath may be an indicator of an underlying issue with your oral health.
Dry mouth from snoring increases the bacterial build-up meaning there less saliva to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr Deepak Aulak said: ‘If someone has complained that you snore, they may be bold enough to tell you a few more painful truths. Do you have bad breath?
‘Snoring dries out your mouth and robs it of that natural defensive layer of saliva, which is key to combating tooth decay and keeping your teeth and gums clean.
‘If you’re uncomfortable asking someone if you have bad breath, ask your dentist – you’ll get an honest answer from the very person who can help treat it’.
3. Gum Disease and Gingivitis
A dry mouth from snoring doesn’t only cause tooth decay it can also cause gingivitis and more serious gum diseases like periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which is caused when plaque, tartar and bacteria build up on the teeth, leading to red, swollen and bleeding gums.
When the condition is left untreated it can develop into periodontitis, which attacks the soft tissue around the teeth, causing tooth loss.
Interrupted sleep caused by snoring or sleep apnoea can increase inflammatory markers in the blood, which can exacerbate gum disease.
Dr Deepak Aulak said: ‘If you see blood in the sink after you’ve brushed your teeth or noticed a foul smell after you’ve flossed it could be the first signs of gum disease.
‘In its early stages, it can be easily treated with special toothpastes and mouthwashes, but if the disease is allowed to become more deep-rooted, you’ll know about it, it is very painful.
‘Regular dental check-ups are essential not only for early detection and treatment of gum disease but also for overall preventive care.
‘In addition to professional dental visits, maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home is crucial.
‘This includes brushing teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and using antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and minimise the risk of gum disease.
‘By combining regular dental check-ups with consistent at-home oral care, we can effectively prevent gum disease from progressing and mitigate the risk of more severe complications.
‘Snoring may not seem a problem for you now but tackling it could save you real problems down the line’.
4. Tooth Loss
Serious gum disease, or periodontitis, weakens the soft tissue that supports the teeth, meaning in some severe cases you can lose teeth.
Losing teeth changes the shape of the mouth, which sometimes causes the airway to become more narrow – and even impacts how the person’s tongue rests when they are asleep.
As a result, tooth loss also causes sleepers to snore.
Dr Deepak Aulak said: ‘Tooth loss from gum disease is the eventual result of long-term, poor oral hygiene. And snoring could be adding to it.
Snoring is also something a dentist can advise on, given problems with your teeth and gums can affect your breathing when asleep.
Dr Aulak said: ‘Snoring is more than just a frustration for you and anyone in earshot to bear.
‘It is often indicative of underlying health issues that can significantly impact your quality of life – and can also lead to oral health problems.
‘Snorers often sleep with their mouths open, which dries out the mouth and reduces the amount of saliva.
‘We need saliva to ensure our teeth and gums stay healthy. The result is more bacteria, meaning potentially gum disease, tooth decay and even tooth loss.
This Morning regular, Dr Deepak added: ‘If you have any worries about snoring, be sure to speak to a dentist as well as a doctor.’
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
