3 Dangerous Side-Effects of Snoring

Snoring can cause problems like a sore throat, waking yourself up from the noise, and starting fights with your loved ones because you’re sleep deprived. You may snore because of having a cold or allergies, or even if you’ve had a couple of alcoholic drinks before bed.

But snoring may be a sign of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you’re diagnosed with this condition, then your snoring can have some dangerous side-effects.

1. Dry Mouth You usually have your mouth wide open when you snore. Your mouth decreases saliva production while you sleep as it is, but snoring dries out your mouth even more. Without plenty of saliva, germs in your mouth quickly multiply. Bacterial growth increases your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections.
2. Fatigue Obstructive sleep apnea closes off your windpipe for brief periods at a time. The low oxygen levels will force your brain to wake you up often throughout the night. Without a good night’s rest, you’re at risk for accidents during the day due to fatigue.
3. Weakened Immune System The lack of quality sleep and poor oxygen supply take a toll on your body. You may suffer from stress during the day and your risk for systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease increases. Snoring could be a sign that your body isn’t getting the rest it needs to stay healthy.

Is your snoring connected to obstructive sleep apnea? It’s worth a trip to a Brookhaven sleep apnea dentist to find out.

Dr. Hosaka will be happy to evaluate your mouth for signs of sleep apnea and discuss your treatment options. Contact Elegant Smiles today to book an appointment.