Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Do You Or Your Partner Snore? Your Loud Breathing During Sleep Could Be Indicative Of A Larger Issue!
Many Australians pass of snoring as a simple habit that occurs whilst you are asleep, and while it is generally harmless it is possible something more sinister may be at play. Snoring occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax to a point where they hang low partially blocking the airway. When air tries to pass through the airway the muscles vibrate, creating the sound known as Sleep.
How Can My Snoring Be A Symptom Of A Larger Issue?
Sleep Apnoea can potentially be a deadly condition, where instead of partially blocking the airway while you sleep, the muscles completely block off the passage. This causes you to wake up so you can manually start the breathing process, and can occur hundreds of times a night! If you suffer from:
- Snoring
- Chronic headaches
- Choking or gasping while asleep
- Long pauses in breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
There Are Different Types Of Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Apnoea comes in several forms, and it is important to understand which may be affecting you. This can usually be determined with a sleep study which your GP or other qualified health practitioner may recommend.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea:
This is the most common form of sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea causes most sufferers to snore loudly.
Central Sleep Apnoea:
Central sleep apnoea is a less common form of Sleep Apnoea, Central Sleep Apnoea affects the central nervous system people with this form of sleep apnoea seldom if ever snore.
Complex Sleep Apnoea:
Complex sleep apnoea is a form of sleep apnoea which is a combination of obstructive sleep apnoea and central sleep apnoea.
Sleep Dentistry
Concerned AboutT Your Upcoming Dental Visit (Nervous and Anxious)?
Feel free to inquire with our team about the possibility of undergoing dental treatment with intravenous (IV) sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
We have a Professional and Experienced Team who always bring Innovative Ideas.
Snoring is the sound caused by vibrating tissues in the airway during sleep. While occasional snoring is common, loud and frequent snoring accompanied by breathing pauses, choking, or excessive daytime sleepiness may indicate obstructive sleep apnea.
Yes. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide custom oral appliances for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy, in consultation with their medical practitioner.
An oral appliance gently positions the lower jaw forward while you sleep, helping keep the airway open and reducing airway collapse that causes snoring and sleep apnea.
In most cases, yes. A sleep study helps diagnose the severity of sleep apnea and allows your dentist and sleep physician to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Yes. Each appliance is custom-made to fit your teeth and jaw, making it comfortable for overnight use. Most patients adapt within a short period.
You should seek professional advice if your snoring is loud, frequent, accompanied by choking or breathing pauses, or if you experience excessive daytime tiredness, morning headaches, or poor sleep quality.