Are Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Related?
Snoring could be caused by a medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). It occurs when the muscles at the base of the throat relax too much during sleep and completely block off air passage between the back of the nose and the larynx or voice box.
Sufferers can experience pauses in breathing while asleep and are forced to wake up to restart their breathing process. The patient/person does not remember these moments of waking called microarousals. This sleep-wake cycle can happen hundreds of times each night and reduces sleep quality. It could also be dangerous as it disrupts breathing mechanisms.
If you have sleep apnoea or a breathing disorder, you may also be at risk for serious medical conditions like strokes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks.
Here are some of the common signs that you may have a snoring or breathing disorder:
- Gasping for breath during sleep
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Partner or family or friends noticing you snore
- Tiredness and anxiety during the waking hours
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Poor concentration and memory
- Reflux
Call us at Happy Dentistry today if you experience any of these signs, and our dentists will help you to determine if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea.
Oral Treatments for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Medical practitioners have treatments for sleep and breathing disorders. However, dentists can offer ways to effectively address or improve these conditions via oral treatment.
As mentioned, loud snoring happens when the lower jaw becomes too relaxed. When that happens, air passage in the throat is reduced, causing the throat muscles to vibrate irregularly and create the noise we all know as snoring. If this throat vibration happens often, it can irritate the muscles and cause swelling. It makes the airway even smaller and contributes to even louder snoring.
Dental appliances are an effective treatment for snoring. Such devices can prevent the jaw from moving backwards during sleep. By doing so, they stop the associated noise or snoring from occurring.
At Happy Dentistry, we can provide you with a custom dental appliance you can wear while you sleep. It will help prevent blockage in your throat’s air passage, ensure the right oxygen levels reach the brain and improve sleep quality.
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea FAQ
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and health complications if left untreated.
What causes snoring and sleep apnoea?
Snoring and sleep apnoea often occur when throat muscles relax during sleep, partially or fully blocking the airway. Factors like obesity, alcohol consumption, and sleeping position can contribute.
How can I tell if I have sleep apnoea rather than just snoring?
Signs of sleep apnoea include loud, frequent snoring, pauses in breathing, waking up gasping, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, poor concentration or irritability.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?
Common symptoms include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, daytime tiredness, morning headaches, poor concentration, and mood changes.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnoea?
Untreated sleep apnoea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and daytime accidents due to fatigue, impacting your overall health and quality of life.
What are the main treatment options for snoring and sleep apnoea?
For snoring and mild sleep apnoea, lifestyle changes (weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side) may help. For more severe cases, oral appliances (mandibular advancement devices) or CPAP machines are common treatments. Please visit our page for more information at https://happy-dentistry.com.au/snoring-and-sleep-apnoea/
How can a dentist help with snoring and sleep apnoea?
At Happy Dentistry, we provide custom-made oral appliances (sleep apnoea mouthguards) that gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea. Dr Jenny Liu is currently completing her fellowship in sleep medicine and she is committed to helping people suffering from snoring and sleep apnoea. You may contact us today at 0396633401 or via wechat to book your appointment.
What is a sleep apnoea dental appliance?
A sleep apnoea dental appliance is a custom-fitted mouthguard worn during sleep that moves your lower jaw forward, helping to keep your airway clear and reducing snoring and apnoea episodes.
Is a dental appliance comfortable to wear?
Yes, the appliances are designed for comfort and are adjustable to suit your needs. Most patients find they adapt within a few nights and notice improved sleep quality.
How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnography) conducted at a sleep clinic or using a home sleep testing device, after which treatment options can be discussed.
Can snoring or sleep apnoea affect my health long-term?
Yes. Untreated sleep apnoea can increase the risk of serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and accidents due to daytime sleepiness.
Need a Consultation with a Chinese-Speaking Dentist in Melbourne?
We are proud to communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin at our dental practice in Melbourne. We offer our services to international students, families, and anyone looking to address snoring and sleep apnoea, as well as improve their dental and oral health.
We Are Here to Help
At Happy Dentistry, we take a patient centred approach in all our services. We will always prioritise your comfort, health, and safety. We will work with you as you decide to improve the quality of your sleep and your dental and oral health.
Happy Dentistry provides high quality, state of the art oral treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea. Our dentists in Melbourne are continually updated with the latest tools and techniques in the field of dentistry.
Accessible Location
Located on Swanston Street, our dental practice is in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Visit us at our Melbourne dental clinic during our opening hours!
Get quality oral treatment for snoring and sleep apnea to improve your sleep and lifestyle. Please book an appointment today, or you can learn more about our Chinese-speaking dentist in Melbourne.