Updated August 15, 2022

No one likes to be told that they snore. Then again, no one likes to listen to anyone snoring. In reality, no one is getting quality sleep, and everyone loses. The real problem, though, is that snoring isn’t just a nuisance. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea.

Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, a snoring problem can get in the way of your bed partner’s rest and affect your own sleep quality and health.

Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleeping disorder that happens when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is normal among people with sleep apnea, but not all snorers have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you’re probably unaware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night. However, you may experience dental symptoms that are directly related.

Dental Signs of Sleep Apnea:

• Cracked, broken, or missing teeth
• Excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Worn front teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Chronic headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

If your oral health checks out, but you’ve been told you snore, you can record yourself or ask your sleep partner to keep track of your snoring. There also are comprehensive apps for your phone that will record and monitor your snoring activity. Some of the information you want to capture includes:

Sleep Apnea Warnings

• Loud and chronic snoring almost every night
• Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
• Pauses in breathing
• Waking up at night feeling short of breath
• Morning headache
• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, a snoring problem can get in the way of your bed partner’s rest and affect your own sleep quality and health.

Patients tend to see their dentists more regularly than their doctors, so mention your concerns the next time you have your teeth cleaned. Your dentist will arrange for a sleep study and work with your primary physician to manage your care.

At Asheville Dental, we assist patients who suffer from this condition. Contact us today for an appointment, and let us help you get back to a good night’s sleep and a better waking day.