Snoring is typically common in men and overweight people but can affect just about anyone. You may flick away the habit as merely ‘annoying’ or ‘embarrassing’, but it is surely more than that. Some of the causes and effects of snoring are relatively benign, but the condition can also be a warning sign of much more severe health issues, which if left untreated, could prove fatal. Snoring is usually the result of:
- Blocked nasal airways
- Bad muscle tone in the tongue and throat
- Long soft uvula and/or palate
- Large throat tissue
Health Risks Associated With Snoring
Snoring is not only annoying but can also prove hazardous for your health, both physical and oral, if not treated appropriately. Some of these health problems include:
Xerostomia is a lack of salivary production in the mouth which causes it to dry and in turn triggers various oral health problems, such as bad breath, tooth decay, burning mouth syndrome, gum disease, sores, and infections. Saliva is important for cleansing the mouth as it washes away the food debris, acids, and bacteria. The absence of saliva also encourages the accumulation of dead cells in the mouth which in turns causes a foul smell. Additionally, without saliva, dangerous bacteria in our mouths can grow at a quick rate and result in painful infections and sores.
- Your sleep will be disrupted frequently. Snoring can wake you up in the middle of your sleep without you even realizing it. This is especially harmful if you are a light sleeper or have trouble going back to sleep.
- People who snore try to keep the muscles of their throat tight enough to ensure proper airflow, which can lead to light sleeping.
- You will get a poor night’s sleep. Frequent sleep disruptions and uncomfortable sleeping can result in constricted blood vessels in the lungs that can eventually lead to pulmonary hypertension.
- Disturbed sleep patterns and an exhausted mind and body will usually protest in the form of headaches
- Obesity
- Feeling weary and sleepy during the daytime. When you don’t get a good night’s sleep, it is no surprise that you will not function well during the day. Your performance will be affected and you are likely to have mood swings.
All these health risks show why you should pay more close attention to your snoring habit and get it fixed without delay. Call us now for more information or book an appointment online.
