Dental services to stop snoring & sleep apnoea…
Snoring may be an indicator of a serious underlying condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). This occurs when there is a partial or full blockage of your airway. Your brain will then register a lack of oxygen and respond with muscle spasms. You will then often wake with a start, resume breathing and then return to sleep. This can occur several times throughout the night, causing a disruptive sleep.
Who is affected by obstructive sleep apnoea?
OSA and “simple” snoring occur in all age groups. This includes infants, children, adults and the elderly. In children, large tonsils and adenoids are a common cause. The largest affected group, however, is the middle aged population where it is estimated to affect 10% of the population, with males predominating in a ratio of 10:1.
How important is it to treat obstructive sleep apnoea?
A disruptive sleep can lead to an individual suffering drowsiness during the daytime. Sleepiness is a medical condition and can be very dangerous for people with obstructive sleep apnoea who have a markedly increased incidence of car accidents, work accidents and sick days.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea?
In addition to snoring, you may be suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnoea and may be experiencing the following symptoms:
- loud and repetitive snoring – OSA sufferers often follow a pattern of loud snoring followed by episodes of silence, and then gasps for breath;
- excessive daytime sleepiness — most people with OSA have difficulty staying awake during the day, regardless of how much sleep they have. This can occur while at work, watching TV, driving the car, or even sitting behind your desk at work;
- erratic mood shifts — people with OSA are more susceptible to depression and increased irritability;
- morning headache;
- intellectual deterioration – poor memory;
- restless sleep;
- bedwetting/passing urine at night;
- breathlessness at night or day;
- reduced sexual activity;
- heart burn at night.
Patients may wake in the morning feeling tired, lethargic, often with a “hangover” sensation. They often remain sleepy throughout the day, tending to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while watching TV, eating, reading or driving their car, and frequently they do not recognise that they have a problem.
How can obstructive sleep apnoea be treated?
- Sleepiness and drowsiness due to obstructive sleep apnoea, can be effectively treated with sleep apnoea treatment and a normal sleeping pattern can then be re-established.
- Dental appliance therapy is scientifically proven as an effective and comfortable treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea.
- The main way that appliances work is by preventing the tissues at the back of the throat and the base of the tongue from collapsing back into the airway.
What are the benefits of dental appliance therapy?
- You and your partner can look forward to a quiet night of sleep.
- No more embarrassing snoring sounds while travelling, or in any group situation.
- Wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.
- Improved quality of life through greater vitality and participation.
- Improved work performance due to greater concentration and energy levels.
- Decreased risk of fatigue-related vehicle and work accidents.
- Decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and blood pressure problems.
Stop snoring & OSA FAQs
What happens if I ignore my OSA?
OSA left untreated is potentially life-threatening. Risks include heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, loss of interest in sex/impotence and frequent night-time urination. Furthermore, OSA causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems.
How does the dental sleep appliance work?
Sleep appliances work by holding the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep thereby opening the airway at the back of the throat which is responsible for the snoring and obstruction. The tongue is attached to the lower jaw, and with the jaw held forward the tongue is prevented from collapsing back.
What dental sleep appliances are available?
There are many different appliances available to dentists. They are often referred to as mandibular advancement splints. These appliances take the lower jaw forward bringing the tongue with it, thereby clearing the airway at the back of the throat.
The most ideal and comfortable type of appliances are those made from impressions and models of the patient’s own teeth. Dental sleep appliances are divided into two different types:
- Non-adjustable – Many available appliances are non-adjustable, making the ideal forward position of the jaw a guess by the dentist
- Adjustable – An adjustable appliance is far superior because it allows the dentist, or importantly the patient, to slowly bring the lower jaw forward to the ideal most comfortable position to clear the airway.
Are dental sleep appliances comfortable to wear?
Although the mouth is a very sensitive area the vast majority of people adapt within a night or two and find the appliance surprisingly comfortable. This is because the appliances are tailored to suit your mouth and are made out of thin material.
What if I am missing teeth or have a bridge or denture?
There are new appliances which can be successfully used in many different situations – even if all the upper teeth are missing. You will need to have at least a total of 6-8 teeth to be able to use a conventional dental sleep appliance. It is important to have a thorough assessment of the teeth, gums and jaws to ensure successful results with minimal problems long term.
Are there any side-effects?
The vast majority of people have no side effects. A small percentage of people have minor side-effects such as excessive saliva, jaw tenderness, pressure on teeth and bite changes. Most side effects are temporary and disappear after a day or two or with a simple adjustment.
Do I have to wear the dental sleep appliance forever?
No. There may be other methods which you can undertake that can help overcome the problem. This is very individual and assessed and discussed in the first consultation. For many people weight loss, exercise or changing body position during sleep can go assist in overcoming snoring and sleep apnoea. The use of a dental appliance can result in a boost in energy levels through better quality sleep and hence the impetus to make lifestyle changes.
The dentists at DENTAL CARE NETWORK™ can advise you on the best treatment to help you stop snoring.
DENTAL CARE NETWORK™ is an Australian network of dentists and dental pratices offering quality, professional dental services such as teeth whitening, CEREC, TMJ Symptoms Treatment, wisdom teeth removal and porcelain veneers. Our network features Sydney dentists, Melbourne dentists and dental practices in many locations around Australia.
