Understanding Sleep Apnoea and Snoring
Sleep apnoea and snoring are fairly common conditions that can impact the quality of your sleep and overall health. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is concerning as it disrupts your breathing during sleep and can lead to serious health risks if it’s left untreated. At Lucas Dental in the South Plympton area we’re committed to assisting our patients with their sleep dentistry needs and we can offer effective snoring treatment and solutions for sleep apnoea.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a medical condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea, which occurs when your throat muscles relax excessively, causing your airways to block. Understanding the different types of sleep apnoea can help you determine which type you have and how Lucas Dental can help assist you with treatment.
Types of Sleep Apnoea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: The most common type and it’s characterised by your airways becoming narrow and obstructed due to the natural relaxation of the muscles during sleep. Physical and lifestyle risk factors increase the risk of narrowing and obstruction of the airways.
- Central Sleep Apnoea: A less common form where the brain fails to send proper signals to your muscles that control your breathing.
Both types require different approaches, and the good news is that low-intervention dental solutions for obstructive sleep apnoea can be very effective for correcting this disorder.
How Does Snoring Relate to Sleep Apnoea?
The Link Between Snoring and Breathing Disorders
Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea. While not all snorers have sleep apnoea, habitual snoring can indicate a more severe problem. Early intervention with snoring remedies or sleep dentistry can prevent health complications.
If you’re worried about your snoring or the snoring of a loved one book into Lucas Dental in the South Plympton area and we can help arrange a sleep assessment to help improve your sleep and overall health. Diagnosis of OSA is made after a sleep study by either your GP or a specialist sleep physician.
How Does Snoring Relate to Sleep Apnoea?
The Link Between Snoring and Breathing Disorders
Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea. While not all snorers have sleep apnoea, habitual snoring can indicate a more severe problem. Early intervention with snoring remedies or sleep dentistry can prevent health complications.
If you’re worried about your snoring or the snoring of a loved one book into Lucas Dental in the South Plympton area and we can help arrange a sleep assessment to help improve your sleep and overall health. Diagnosis of OSA is made after a sleep study by either your GP or a specialist sleep physician.
Dental Solutions for Sleep Apnoea and Snoring
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnoea
Oral appliances for sleep apnoea are custom-made dental devices that help keep your airway open during sleep by repositioning your jaw. These are usually called mandibular advancement devices or MADs and they reduce symptoms by holding the jaw or tongue in the correct position as you sleep. These devices are a comfortable and effective alternative if you have mild symptoms or if a CPAP machine isn’t for you. There are CPAP alternatives for sleep apnoea treatment, and you can at Lucas Dental to see if they’re right for you.
CPAP vs. Oral Appliances
CPAP machines are a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea however many people find them uncomfortable and almost impossible to sleep with. Oral appliances for sleep apnoea are a more convenient and portable solution. At Lucas Dental our sleep dentistry focuses on identifying which patients may benefit more from these devices as an alternative to CPAP, which is more intensive solution.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnoea?
Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnoea Patients
Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea see the best results from oral appliances. These devices are non-invasive and easy to use, and offer a practical solution if CPAP isn’t for you.
Snorers Without Sleep Apnoea
Even if you don’t have sleep apnoea, persistent snoring can disrupt your sleep and your partner’s sleep. Snoring treatment through sleep dentistry can provide effective solutions, such as custom-made appliances designed to reduce snoring.
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnoea and Snoring
Improved Sleep Quality
Treating sleep apnoea and snoring can lead to more restful, uninterrupted sleep and can significantly improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing snoring or sleep disturbances, you can with Lucas Dental. We will develop a personalised treatment plan to help you (and your partner!) get better sleep.
Reduced Health Risks
Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Effective snoring remedies and sleep apnoea treatments can minimise these risks. Early invention is the best treatment, so don’t wait until your symptoms are unbearable.
Better Daytime Functioning and Energy
Addressing sleep apnoea and snoring improves oxygen levels during sleep, leading to enhanced alertness, concentration, and energy during the day. If you’ve been feeling the effects of your sleep apnoea we can create a treatment to improve your quality of life. Book a sleep apnoea consultation at Lucas Dental today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of obstructive sleep apnoea?
How effective are oral appliances for sleep apnoea?
Can snoring be treated without surgery?
Take Control of Your Sleep Health Today
Don’t let sleep apnoea and snoring affect your quality of life. Contact us today to explore sleep dentistry options, including oral appliances for sleep apnoea and other effective snoring remedies.
Schedule an appointment at Lucas Dental today to start your journey towards better sleep and health.