Think that snoring is just a noise issue that bothers those around you while you sleep? You might want to think again. Snoring isn’t just a noise problem. It is an issue that can cause a number of dental problems such as tooth decay.

Discover how snoring causes tooth decay and other dental problems, who is at risk for developing problems from snoring, and what your local holistic dentist can do for you should you be a snorer.

How Snoring Causes Tooth Decay

When people say that snoring causes tooth decay, they don’t mean the actual act of snoring directly leads to tooth decay. The dental problems and tooth decay are caused by the dry mouth. People who snore experience severe dry mouth which is why many people say that snoring causes tooth decay and dental problems.

Dry mouth, which has the official medical term of xerostomia, caused dental problems because it reduces moisture in the oral tissue and decreases saliva production. Your mouth uses saliva and moisture to naturally clean the mouth from harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay or dental problems. If moisture is reduced and saliva production decreased the bacteria can thrive in the mouth and cause a number of problems ranging from tooth decay, bad breath, infections, mouth sores, and gum disease.

Who is at Risk for Developing Problems Related to Snoring?

Essentially, anyone who snores can develop dental problems as a result of the dry mouth that happens when you snore. Some people are at a higher risk for experiencing snoring than others.

People who are at risk for snoring include:

• Males
• People over the age of 40
• Pregnant females
• Anyone with a family history of snoring
• Anyone who is overweight
• People who experience certain health problems, such as allergies, sinus infections, and sleep apnea

Treatment Options for Snoring

There are a number of treatment options that can be used to help you stop snoring. The type of treatment that you will need will depend upon what is causing your snoring.

Some options to help stop snoring include:

• Hypnosis to help with sleeping
• Using a CPAP machine to improve airflow
• Antibiotics to treat sinus infections
• Decongestants to reduce sinus inflammation
• Weight loss techniques to lose weight

There are a number of conventional and holistic treatment options for snoring. A healthcare provider can provide you with a better idea of what treatment options may be available to you should you suffer from snoring.

Seeking Treatment for Snoring Helps Improve Your Overall Health

Seeking treatment for snoring won’t just improve your oral health; it will help improve your overall health. A number of health problems ranging from headaches and fatigue to muscle weakness, inability to concentrate and depression have all been linked to snoring. Working with a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician or sleep specialist, will help you feel better as both your overall and oral health are improved.

Schedule an Appointment with a Holistic Dentist for a Routine Examination and Professional Cleaning

If you have a history of snoring or are a current snorer you may want to schedule an appointment with a holistic dentist for a routine examination and professional cleaning. A holistic dentist understands the unique problems that can occur as a result of snoring. During your examination, your holistic dentist will look for signs that some of these dental problems are occurring. Your holistic dentist can provide you with treatment recommendations and even give advice on how to possibly prevent problems from occurring in the future.

People in the Jacksonville, Florida area who want to visit a holistic dentist can call Dr. Tiffany K. Shields at Smiles by Shields. Dr. Tiffany K. Shields is a holistic dentist that takes a whole body approach to a number of comprehensive dental services. Call Smiles by Shields today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral and overall health.