Snoring is common and can be annoying. It can also affect your mouth and overall wellbeing.
Sometimes snoring is harmless. In other cases, it can be a sign of a more serious problem with breathing during sleep.
Why do people snore?
When you sleep, the muscles in your mouth and throat relax.
In some people, these soft tissues relax so much that they partly block the airway. As air squeezes through the narrow space, the tissues vibrate. This makes the snoring sound.
Snoring is more likely if you:
Sleep on your back.
Are overweight.
Have a blocked or stuffy nose.
Drink alcohol before bed.
Smoke.
Have large tonsils or a naturally narrow airway.
Are older.
Have a family history of snoring.
When snoring may be a health concern
Loud, regular snoring can sometimes be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
With OSA, breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can reduce oxygen levels and disturb your sleep.
See your doctor if you:
Feel very tired during the day…. Source by Oral Health Foundation Read More
