Snoring isn’t just a noisy nuisance—it could be wreaking havoc on your oral health. Dr. Alex Foo of Aria Dental highlights how snoring may be silently contributing to a range of dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.
According to the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association, 15 million people in the UK snore regularly. While snoring is often brushed off as a minor inconvenience, Dr. Foo explains why it deserves more attention, especially when it comes to your dental well-being.
1. Higher Risk of Oral Infections
Snoring often leads to breathing through your mouth, which causes dryness as the body produces less saliva during the night. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting your mouth from harmful bacteria and maintaining oral health. A dry mouth, on the other hand, creates the perfect conditions for infections to develop.
Dr. Foo advises: “Saliva acts as your mouth’s natural defence system. When it’s lacking due to snoring, the risk of infections like tooth decay and gum disease increases significantly. Regular dental check-ups are essential for spotting and addressing these issues early.”
2. Increased Tooth Decay
Snoring dries out the mouth, reducing saliva, which is essential for keeping bacteria at bay. Without enough saliva, bacteria are more likely to build up, leading to cavities and even bad breath.
“Many people associate bad breath with food, but it can also be a sign that your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva while you sleep. Snoring exacerbates this issue by drying out the mouth, making it harder for your body to naturally defend itself against decay,” Dr. Foo explains.
3. Gum Disease
A dry mouth from snoring doesn’t just stop at causing tooth decay; it can also lead to gum disease. When plaque and bacteria build up due to a lack of saliva, the gums become inflamed, which can lead to gingivitis. If untreated, this early stage of gum disease can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that affects the bone and tissues around your teeth.
“Snoring, combined with the irritation of dry mouth, can worsen the symptoms of gum disease,” says Dr. Foo. “If you notice your gums are bleeding after brushing or flossing, it’s a sign that you may have the early stages of gum disease. Consistent oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are key to preventing this from progressing.”
4. Tooth Loss
One of the most severe consequences of long-term gum disease is tooth loss. When the gums and bone surrounding your teeth become compromised, it can result in teeth becoming loose or falling out. What’s more, losing teeth can further complicate snoring, as the structure of your mouth changes, which can affect the way you breathe during sleep.
“Tooth loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can significantly alter how you breathe at night and even make snoring worse. Taking steps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay by addressing your snoring habits could protect both your smile and your overall health,” Dr. Foo advises.
Dr. Foo stresses that snoring is not just an annoyance—it can signal underlying oral health issues that need attention. If snoring is affecting your sleep or oral health, it’s important to consult both your dentist and your GP to explore treatment options.
