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What is Sleep Apnoea?
If you or your partner snores loudly and persistently, it could be a sign of sleep apnoea. It is a serious condition that can lead to a range of health problems, so it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. At Advanced Dental Southern Highlands in Moss Vale, we offer a range of dental treatments that can help to ease the symptoms of sleep apnoea and improve your quality of life.
Loud snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnoea, but it’s not the only one. Other symptoms include:
- Waking up frequently during the night gasping for breath
- Feeling tired during the day
- Poor concentration
- Suffering headaches in the morning
- Irritability
Sleep apnoea can also put strain on your heart and contribute to high blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Dental Treatments for Sleep Apnoea
There are two types of sleep apnoea—obstructive and central:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the more common type, caused by a blockage of the airway. This can be due to excess weight around the neck, enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum or other physical abnormalities.
- Central sleep apnoea (CSA) is less common and is caused by a problem with the brain’s signalling to the muscles that control breathing. It can be associated with conditions such as heart disease, stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
There are a number of different dental treatments that can help to ease the symptoms of sleep apnoea. These include:
- Oral appliance therapy: This involves wearing a custom-made mouthguard-type appliance called a mandibular advancement device during sleep. It works by holding the tongue and lower jaw in a forward position, keeping the airway open.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This treatment is completed using a sleep machine during a sleep study. The machine provides a gentle stream of air through a mask which is worn while you sleep. The air pressure keeps the airway open, preventing snoring and apnoea episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?
Sleep apnoea is diagnosed via a sleep study. This is where you spend the night in a sleep lab and are monitored overnight.
How is sleep apnoea treated?
Sleep apnoea can be treated with mandibular advancement devices or by using a CPAP machine. This is a machine that helps you breathe at night by delivering air through a mask.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?
The main symptom of sleep apnoea is snoring. This is because when you pause breathing, the airway becomes blocked and vibrates. Other symptoms include:
- Waking up feeling short of breath
- Chronic fatigue
- Morning headaches
What causes sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea can be caused by a number of things including obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and use of sedatives or tranquillisers.
Helping You Get a Good Night's Rest
At Advanced Dental Southern Highlands, we provide snoring and sleep apnoea treatments to help our clients get a good night’s sleep. Whether you are struggling to sleep or you’re keeping your partner up all night—we offer a range of treatments to help you manage and control your symptoms. We will assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. For more information, or to make a booking with one of our dentists, get in touch today on (02) 4868 2433.
