Bad Breath
Bad breath or Halitosis can be one result of snoring. Breathing through the nose cleans the air as it enters the nasal passage and then the lungs.
Bacteria build up in the throat caused by open mouthed breathing develops into bad breath. Bad breath is the result of bacteria inside the mouth breaking down sulphur releasing proteins. Bacteria in the mouth occur naturally and they are with everyone as it should be but the problem arises when these bacteria build to such high levels, breaking down proteins at a higher than normal rate resulting in gaseous by-products that smell.
Snoring is defined as a coarse sound made by vibrations of the soft palate and other tissue in the mouth, nose & throat. It is caused by turbulence inside the airway during inhalation. The turbulence is heightened by a partial blockage that may be located anywhere from the tip of the nose to the vocal chords. These restrictions usually occur only during sleep, but it may persist all the time and be worse when we are asleep.
This is because our muscle tone is reduced during sleep and there may be insufficient muscle strength to prevent the airway tissue vibrating. During waking hours muscle tone keeps the airway open; that's why we don't snore when awake.
Some of the most common causes of snoring:
• Age. When you reach middle age and beyond, the throat narrows and the muscle tone in your throat decreases.
• Being overweight or unfit. Fatty tissue and poor muscle tone contribute to snoring
• Physique Men have narrower air passages than women and are more likely to snore. A narrow throat, a cleft palate, enlarged adenoids, and other physical attributes that contribute to snoring can often be hereditary.
• Nasal and sinus problems. Blocked airways make inhalation difficult and may create a vacuum in the throat, leading to snoring.
• Alcohol, smoking, and medication. Alcohol, smoking, and some medications can increase muscle relaxation which in turn leads to more snoring.
• Sleep posture. Sleeping flat on your back is a common reason for the occurrence of snoring as it causes the flesh of your throat to relax and block the airwaves
• Allergies. Can cause nasal stuffiness that lead to snoring.
Snoring can be prevented and there are many methods available on the open market that can reduce the likelihood of it happening and thus avoid the social and physical problems it can cause.
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