Snoring
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 have disruption to deep restful sleep. This can occur several times throughout the night, causing a disruptive sleep.
Many snorers with (OSA) are unaware that they may have it, you should treat your snoring to improve your health and improve the sleep quality of those that share your life.
Importance of curing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
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 sleep apnoea who have a markedly increased incidence of car accidents, work accidents, and sick days.
Why do we snore?
Snoring occurs when the structures such as tongue soft palate tonsils and adenoids are large and partially block the flow of air. Air tries to pass through these
blockages, and our throat structures vibrate causing sound we know as snoring.
Is it right for you?
In addition to snoring, you may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) 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 — many people with OSA may 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 maybe more susceptible to depression and increased irritability
• Morning headaches or fogginess
• Poor memory and concentration
• Restless sleep
• Passing urine at night
• Breathlessness at night or day
• Reduced sexual libido
• Reflux at night
Patients may wake in the morning feeling tired, lethargic, and possibly with a “hangover” sensation. They often remain sleepy throughout the day and tend to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as whilst watching TV, eating, reading or driving their car. Frequently they do not recognise that they have a problem.
OSA and “simple” snoring occurs in all age groups, including infants, children, adults and the elderly. In children, large tonsils and adenoids are a common cause.
What is involved?
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 Oral Appliance Therapy is scientifically proven as an effective and comfortable treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea. There are many different appliances all similar to wearing a mouth guard. They are also referred to as Mandibular Advancement Splints.
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 and thereby obstructing the airway. This appliance increases the forward position of the lower jaw to an exact position that clears the airway.
The most ideal and comfortable type of appliances are those made from impressions and models of the patient’s own teeth.
• Non-adjustable – Many available appliances are non-adjustable, making the ideal forward position of the jaw initially estimated by the dentist fixed for the patient thereafter.
• Adjustable – An adjustable appliance is far superior because it allows the dentist, or importantly the patients, to slowly bring the lower jaw to slowly be brought forward to the ideal most comfortable position to clear the airway.
Benefits of Dental Appliance Therapy
• You and your partner can may 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.
What happens if I ignore my OSA?
OSA left untreated is potentially life-threatening. Risks include heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, hypertension. OSA also causes interpersonal relationships to suffer through chronic tiredness, lack of energy, loss of interest in sex/impotence and mood swings. Furthermore, daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents and lost productivity.
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 very thin.
What if I am missing teeth or have a bridge or denture?
There are new appliances which can be successful, even if all 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.
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 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.
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.