Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone. Although it occurs more frequently in men and people who are overweight, it also has a tendency to worsen with age.
If you are a habitual snorer, you not only impair your own sleep quality but also the sleep-patterns of those close to you. Habitual snorers can be at risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) which can significantly affect your health.
Our Wollongong dental clinic team is fully trained in diagnosing and treating snoring and sleep apnoea so contact CBD Dental today on (02) 4225 0505 if you think our expertise might help you or your partner.
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Wollongong
Snoring may seem like little more than an annoyance, particularly for the person sharing your bedroom, but frequent or loud snoring can sometimes be associated with a more significant sleep-related breathing problem. If snoring is affecting your sleep or you are concerned about possible sleep apnoea, seeking professional advice can be an important first step.
At CBD Dental, we can help patients seeking advice about snoring and sleep apnoea in Wollongong and discuss whether a dental appliance may form part of an appropriate treatment plan.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the mouth and throat causes surrounding tissues to vibrate during sleep. Several factors can contribute to snoring, including the anatomy of the mouth and airway, sleeping position, nasal congestion, alcohol consumption and excess body weight.
Occasional snoring does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnoea. However, persistent loud snoring, particularly when accompanied by pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, warrants further investigation.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea, commonly referred to as OSA, is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which the airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. These interruptions can reduce sleep quality and may occur many times throughout the night.
Someone with sleep apnoea may not realise that their breathing is being interrupted. In many cases, a partner or family member is the first person to notice unusual breathing patterns during sleep.
Possible warning signs can include loud snoring, waking while gasping or choking, morning headaches, waking with a dry mouth and feeling excessively tired during the day despite apparently spending enough time asleep.
If sleep apnoea is suspected, appropriate medical assessment and diagnosis are important.
Can a Dentist Help With Snoring and Sleep Apnoea?
For some patients, a custom-made oral appliance may be recommended as part of managing snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. These appliances are worn while sleeping and are designed to position the lower jaw and associated tissues in a way that helps maintain an open airway.
Whether an oral appliance is appropriate depends on the individual and the nature and severity of their sleep-related breathing problem. Dental treatment for diagnosed sleep apnoea should form part of coordinated care with the relevant medical or sleep health professionals.
A dental assessment can examine your teeth, jaw and oral health and determine whether you may be suitable for an oral appliance.
Don’t Ignore Persistent Snoring
If your partner regularly complains about your snoring, you wake feeling unrefreshed or you have noticed other symptoms associated with disrupted breathing during sleep, consider seeking professional advice rather than simply accepting poor-quality sleep.
CBD Dental is located at 6 Kenny Street, Wollongong NSW 2500, providing dental care to patients from Wollongong and surrounding areas.
To discuss snoring and sleep apnoea treatment in Wollongong, call CBD Dental on (02) 4225 0505 to arrange an appointment and find out what treatment options may be appropriate for you.
