Snoring is often dismissed as background noise – a harmless quirk of deep sleep or exhaustion. But behind that nightly rumble lies a more complex story of anatomy, airflow and oral health. Increasingly
seen not just in older men but in women and younger adults too, snoring today is emerging as a lifestyle disruptor, straining relationships, draining energy and quietly signalling deeper breathing problems. And the root cause, experts say, may start closer to the teeth and jaw than most people realise.
“Snoring does not start in the lungs; it begins in the mouth and throat, where jaw position and oral structure determine how freely air flows during sleep,” explains Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora (Retd), Chief Clinical Officer at Clove Dental. He notes that nearly half of adults snore occasionally, and one in four do so regularly. Maxillofacial surgeon Dr Vipin Dehane from Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, adds, “Snoring is essentially the vibration of relaxed soft tissues caused by obstructed airflow, and many anatomical variations inside the mouth contribute to that obstruction.”
The Anatomy Behind The Snore
Dr Arora points out that different snores tell different stories. A deep, open-mouth rumble usually comes from the soft palate collapsing backwards. A nasal buzz often signals congestion. A gurgling or stop-start sound may indicate the tongue slipping into the airway.
“Very loud, irregular snoring with pauses or gasps is particularly concerning, as it may suggest repeated airway collapse,” he says, warning that these patterns can indicate obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr Dehane expands on the structural angle: “A retrognathic or backward jaw can reduce airway space by up to 40 per cent. Sleeping with an open mouth can shrink it further by nearly 50 per cent, as the jaw and tongue fall back.” Add a large tongue, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum, and breathing becomes even more restricted.
Why Women Are Snoring More
Once considered a male issue largely, snoring is increasingly reported among women. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can reduce airway muscle tone. Fluid retention and weight changes may narrow breathing passages. Smoking and chronic nasal inflammation compound the problem.
“Women often normalise fatigue and poor sleep. But persistent snoring is not just inconvenience, it’s a sign that airflow is struggling,” Dr Arora notes.
The Oral Health Fallout
Snoring isn’t just disruptive; it’s damaging. Mouth breathing dries the oral cavity, reduces saliva and creates the perfect environment for bacteria.
“Chronic dryness leads to tooth decay, gum inflammation and even mucosal injuries. We see higher risks of cavities and periodontal issues in habitual snorers,” says Dr Dehane. Dr Arora echoes this, adding that reduced saliva also affects long-term oral resilience. “It becomes a cycle – poor breathing worsens oral health, which in turn impacts overall wellbeing,” he explains.
Can Dentists Help You Breathe Better?
The good news: snoring can often be managed without surgery. Dentists now play a crucial role. “Customized mandibular advancement devices gently reposition the jaw and tongue forward, stabilising the airway,” explains Dr Dehane. These non-invasive appliances improve airflow and sleep quality while avoiding CPAP machines or surgical options.
Dr Arora recommends a broader strategy: dental screenings, orthodontic evaluation in children, weight management, nasal hygiene, side sleeping and reduced alcohol intake. “Address the structure early, and you protect both sleep and systemic health,” he says.
Snoring is more than an embarrassing sound. It’s the body’s way of signalling resistance in the airway – a small nightly alarm that something isn’t aligned. Paying attention to oral structure, jaw health and breathing patterns may not only quiet the noise but restore deeper, healthier sleep.
