Is Snoring a major issue for you or your partner? As your Local Redcliffe Dentists know, snoring can be incredibly annoying, but it can also be linked to a more serious condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) .
So what is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
It is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It is the more common form of sleep apnoea that occurs when throat muscles relax. Signs and symptoms of the condition include tiredness during the day, falling asleep easily particularly when driving, gasping for air during sleep, low energy levels during the day and headaches. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is linked to chronic conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease and depression. It can affect people of all ages (including children) but its is more prevalent in those aged 50years and above and post menopausal/menopausal patients.
What treatment options are available?
Snoring and sleep apnoea can be treated with CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure therapy) machine which increases air pressure in your throat so that so that your airway does not collapse when you breathe. The CPAP machine can be used at home every night while you sleep.
There are surgical options available for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, that can widen the airway. Surgery can be used to stiffen or shrink obstructing tissue, or remove excess tissue, or enlarged tonsils. Depending on the extent of the surgery, procedures can be carried out in a doctor’s office or a hospital.
However there are is a less invasive and convenient treatment option with the Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS).
The splint is fitted over the teeth to bring the lower jaw forward to open up airways during sleep. Patients have reported a great comfort level compared to the CPAP machine. Most snorers will experience a decrease in snoring after the splint is fitted. Patients who use the MAS report higher energy levels after a good night sleep.
If you have concerns regarding sleep apnoea or would like to discuss the Mandibular Advancement Splint, call your Friendly Local Redcliffe Dentists at John Street Dental on 3284 4281 or Book Online
