Sleep Dentistry

Quick relief for snoring and sleep apnoea

Sleep Dentistry

Quick relief for snoring and sleep apnoea

Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired and unrested? Does your partner complain about your snoring? Do you suddenly wake up in a breathless panic in the middle of the night?

These are signs that you may have Sleep Apnoea.

Sleep Apnoea is a common sleep disorder that is widely undiagnosed in Australia. It is a serious condition that can result in chronic and acute health problems if left untreated.

Fortunately, a change in lifestyle and a simple dental procedure can treat the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea.

If you have any of the above symptoms, don’t put off seeing your Leeming dentist or GP for testing and diagnosis. Having a small lower jaw or being overweight can increase the risk of developing Sleep Apnoea also.

So what happens to me during an episode of Sleep Apnoea?

During an episode of Sleep Apnoea, your breathing is interrupted during sleep. This happens if the air flow to and from your lungs is restricted or cut off due to a blockage in your windpipe. Partial or full blockages can occur as a result of your throat muscles collapsing or foreign obstructions like excess phlegm.

Imagine your breathing stopping as you sleep – totally unaware and unconscious. Scarier than any nightmare!

Reduced oxygen levels in your blood (during episodes of Sleep Apnoea) affect your heart and blood pressure. Over time, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and hypertension may greatly increase.

Remember, your heart works 24/7. It doesn’t appreciate any unexpected drops in oxygen supply!

So having a long good night’s rest with plenty of fresh oxygen is extremely important. In actual fact, sleep is the body’s main mechanism for recovery and normalizing body functions.

Grinding

Another unconscious habit many of us have in our sleep is grinding our teeth.

Grinding or bruxing is a bad habit that can cause major damage to your teeth. If there are signs of wear on your dentition or if you have several cracked teeth – these symptoms may be the result of grinding.

Wearing a night splint is a great preventative measure to stop the effects of grinding. This splint is generally worn at night and protects your teeth from wearing themselves out.

Occlusal splints nowadays are very comfortable to wear. As they say, prevention is always better than a cure, so ensure your teeth are well protected today! Call us to discuss your treatment options for grinding with one of our friendly dentists.

Long-term poor quality sleep doesn’t just negatively affect your general health. It can also impact on your lifestyle – leaving you feeling constantly fatigued with a sluggish metabolism.

The good news is – that there are several non-invasive dental methods for treating Sleep Apnoea.

Your dentist may suggest a repositioning device (as an aid to keep your lower jaw in a forward position) to allow constant passage of air into your lungs for example. Your Leeming dentist will need to assess your individual situation to determine your suitability for this and other effective treatments available.