Recent studies have shown that people who snore have a significant drop in the pH of their mouth and are therefore more exposed to tooth decay.
Snoring is never pleasant: it disrupts the sleep of the snorer and of whoever sleeps beside them.
Roncopathy (chronic snoring) is a long-term disorder that can affect both men and women, though in different proportions: according to a study by Humanitas, 40–45% of men and around 25% of women in Italy snore.
Besides disturbing sleep, snoring has other effects on general wellbeing, especially on the health of the mouth.
The Italian Academy of Conservative and Restorative Dentistry (AIC) has in fact highlighted the link between snoring and increased tooth decay.
Snorers breathe with their mouths open, which evaporates the film of saliva covering the surface of the teeth. This raises the acidity of the mouth, undermining oral hygiene and the resistance of the enamel.
As a result, people who snore become more prone to tooth decay (+37%) and to the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
People who breathe only through their mouth dry up the flow of saliva, an important defence for oral health, and so are at greater risk of developing bad breath, burning mouth syndrome and gum disease.
This problem does not only affect adults who snore but also children with colds and people with enlarged adenoids.
Patients who snore and, more generally, mouth breathers should therefore take particular care of their oral hygiene and have dental check-ups more often.
There are some natural remedies to combat this problem.
Honey, for example, has a soothing effect on snoring and promotes more peaceful sleep. Mint also has soothing properties and helps to open the airways.
A good habit is to do a steam inhalation before going to bed, to decongest the nasal passages and improve breathing. Drinking plenty of water to keep the membranes of the throat hydrated can also help.
It is also important to avoid certain bad habits that are particularly risky for the airways: top of the list, of course, are smoking and alcohol.
