Most people know what snoring is, but few people can answer what causes the noise or why they snore consistently. The truth is that snoring is different for everyone and there is no single common cause of it. What is common, however, is the potential seriousness of a chronic snoring habit, and the fact that ignoring it is often a bad idea for those who experience it.
The common reasons for snoring
Of the many different possible reasons for snoring, one of the most common is when mouth and/or throat tissues collapse into your airway. These tissues may become overrelaxed while you sleep, or the position in which you’re sleeping causes them to collapse. In either case, the obstruction causes the walls of your throat to vibrate every time you breathe. The more obstructed your airway becomes, the louder your snoring will be, which is why especially loud snoring is more worrisome. If you snore every night, or almost every night, then it may begin to have a negative impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
Why it’s a problem if it’s consistent
What happens when you snore isn’t just loud, it’s also disruptive to your sleep and breathing patterns. The reason snoring is loud is because every breath you take has to be forced through a smaller, tighter space – your obstructed airway. Working harder yet receiving less oxygen can tax your cardiovascular system and the rest of your body. The effects can be cumulative on your systemic wellbeing, leading to increased risks of things like respiratory disease and more. Even if your snoring doesn’t seem particularly loud or severe, the fact that it occurs nearly every night can make it a problem for your health.
How to stop snoring as soon as possible
The good news for chronic snorers is that it doesn’t have to continue being a nuisance. Knowing the common reasons behind snoring and their connection to your oral health, your dentist can help you find a comfortable solution to prevent the airway obstruction that causes it. For many patients, this might be accomplished with a comfortable, custom oral appliance. Wearing the appliance while you sleep stops oral tissues from clogging your airway and interrupting your quality sleep.
Learn more about your snoring habit
You don’t have to know exactly what happens when you snore to recognize it as a problem. For more information about how we can help you address your snoring problem, schedule a visit by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY, today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
