Snoring is a common, and noisy, concern for people of all ages and genders. Often thought of as a minor annoyance, snoring actually can be a sign of serious medical problems. The cause of snoring can reveal whether an individual is experiencing a harmless case of boisterous breathing or something more worrisome. Our extensively trained dentists explain how snoring happens and what can be done to prevent it:
The sound you hear when someone snores is the oral and nasal tissues vibrating as air passes in and out. If there is a narrowing of the airway, or a blockage, this can cause even more noise. The greater the blockage or narrowing, the louder the noise usually will be. Occasional snoring is often normal and nothing to worry about; however, more regular snoring or particularly loud snoring may be a sign of a condition called sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea is a disorder in which the patient experiences periodic pauses in breathing during sleep—sometimes several hundred times in a night. This can happen as a result of a narrowed passageway or airway blockage, often caused by relaxed oral tissues. The stopping and starting can lead to a number of serious medical problems, including fatigue, depression, stroke, heart disease, and sudden cardiac death. For these reasons it’s important for anyone who snores to be evaluated to determine the cause of the issue.
If you or a loved one suffers from snoring, talk to our team today to learn more about getting a sleep apnoea evaluation. We offer a range of treatments that can help you achieve a more restful, and healthy, night’s sleep.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, you know this condition can have serious ramifications. Treatment is important for maintaining good physical and mental health and reducing the risk of sleep apnoea complications. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, our experienced dentists offer the most advanced treatment options available. From oral appliances to lifestyle changes, these approaches are designed to reduce sleep apnoea symptoms, minimise risks, and enhance your quality of life.
One of the most effective and commonly prescribed treatments is an oral guard. Also known as a nightguard or snoreguard, these devices are designed to improve airflow and are customised to provide a comfortable fit. This approach can also reduce teeth grinding if that’s another concern.
In addition to oral guards, there are a number of other treatment options, including NTI appliances (a small splint that is worn on the front teeth), SomnoMed® sleep apnoea devices, and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. An in-home sleep study can also help to determine which method offers you the best results.
Our skilled team works closely with leaders in the respiratory disease field. We are equipped to provide exceptional care to patients who are experiencing symptoms of this serious condition. For more information on sleep apnoea, we encourage you to reach out to us today.
An involuntary cessation of breathing during sleep, sleep apnoea is a serious condition that can have wide-reaching consequences for your health. Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnoea and seeking professional help can minimise the risks of this condition. Our skilled dental team is extensively trained in a diverse array of treatment options. With their help, you should be able to effectively reduce the negative effects of sleep apnoea and live a more restful and healthier life.
Sleep apnoea can affect both your physical and mental health in many ways. Some of the complications associated with the disorder are:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Sudden cardiac death
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Loss of memory
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Gastric reflux disease
- Sexual dysfunction
These are serious concerns. Fortunately, our dentists can help. If you believe you have sleep apnoea, or if you wish to know more about this condition, please contact us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can give you more information or schedule a consultation if you’re ready for an evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Affecting millions of people across the nation, sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing is paused during sleeping. In most cases, breathing is delayed for about 10-20 seconds, but it can last much longer, and these pauses can occur hundreds of times in a single evening. Sleep apnoea can cause sleep deprivation and significantly more serious concerns, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and get help. Our dentists at The Paddington Dental Surgery are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea, and we’re here to help.
You may wonder how you’re supposed to know if you have a condition that occurs when you’re sleeping, but many symptoms can alert you to a problem. Snoring is one of the most common, but there are several others, including:
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Waking up often at night
- Insomnia
- Using the bathroom frequently during the night
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Moodiness, irritability, and depression
- Headaches upon waking
- Fitful or restless sleep
- Impotence
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms and believe you may have sleep apnoea, it’s imperative that you speak to a doctor. Sleep apnoea can have serious, life-shortening consequences, and treatment can be very effective in managing the effects. Talk to us today to learn more.
