If you or your partner snores regularly, it might seem like just an annoying habit — a nightly disturbance you try to sleep through. But what many people don’t realise is that snoring can also be a sign of a more serious health issue, and in some cases, your dentist might be one of the first people to notice it.
That’s right — your dentist may be able to help with snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders. Let’s explore how your oral health is connected to snoring, what it could mean for your overall wellbeing, and how dental treatment options might offer you a quieter, healthier night’s sleep.
Why Do We Snore?
Snoring happens when the flow of air through your mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. This causes the surrounding tissues — particularly in the throat — to vibrate, producing the familiar (and often loud) sound we associate with snoring.
Common reasons for snoring include:
- Relaxation of the throat muscles during deep sleep
- Sleeping on your back, which can cause the tongue to fall backward
- Nasal congestion or structural issues such as a deviated septum
- Enlarged tonsils or a long soft palate
- Obesity, which can narrow the airway
- Alcohol consumption before bed, which further relaxes the muscles
While occasional snoring is generally harmless, regular, loud snoring may point to something more serious, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) — a condition that interrupts breathing during sleep and can affect your long-term health.
What Is Sleep Apnoea — and Why Does It Matter?
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the airway becomes completely or partially blocked while sleeping. This causes brief pauses in breathing — sometimes hundreds of times a night — which can reduce oxygen levels and jolt the body out of deep sleep.
People with OSA often experience:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
Left untreated, sleep apnoea has been linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and increased risk of accidents due to fatigue.
Where Does Your Dentist Come In?
You might be wondering — what does this have to do with your teeth or your dentist?
Dentists are often in a unique position to detect signs of sleep apnoea and chronic snoring. During a routine check-up, we may observe:
- Signs of teeth grinding (bruxism), which is often linked with disrupted sleep
- A small or narrow jaw that could be contributing to airway obstruction
- A scalloped tongue or redness in the throat from frequent gasping
- Clenching-related wear on your teeth
- Dry mouth, which is common in people who breathe through the mouth at night
If we suspect that your snoring may be related to sleep apnoea, we can refer you to a sleep physician for a proper diagnosis. From there, a range of treatment options can be considered — including dental appliances designed specifically for this purpose.
How Dentists Help Manage Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
For people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or primary snoring, a custom-fitted oral appliance can often provide effective relief. These are known as mandibular advancement splints (MAS).
A MAS works by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward during sleep. This helps to keep the airway open, reduces tissue vibration, and prevents the airway from collapsing. These devices are:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Silent (unlike CPAP machines)
- Portable for travel
- Custom-made for your mouth for better fit and function
Unlike over-the-counter options, a professionally fitted device is designed to suit your bite and jaw structure, reducing the risk of jaw pain or other complications.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Snoring?
While not all snoring is dangerous, it’s worth paying attention to — especially if it’s loud, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms. Ask yourself:
- Do you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep?
- Has your partner noticed you stop breathing at night?
- Do you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?
- Are you struggling to concentrate during the day?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s worth bringing it up at your next dental appointment. We can assess your oral structures and refer you for further evaluation if needed.
A Better Night’s Sleep Starts with a Conversation
Snoring isn’t just a nuisance — it can be a red flag for deeper health concerns. The good news is, help is available — and it could begin in the dental chair. From detecting early signs to providing effective treatment options, we’re here to support your health beyond your teeth.
Come visit us for a comprehensive check-up — and let’s talk about how your smile (and your sleep) could be better protected.