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Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Causes and Health Implications of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

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Snoring is a common condition where the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep, causing vibrations in the throat tissues. While it’s often seen as a minor issue, frequent or loud snoring can indicate underlying sleep disorders, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep, leading to short periods of breathing cessation (apnoea’s) or shallow breathing. This can result in disrupted sleep, oxygen deprivation, and a host of health problems.

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Some common causes of snoring and OSA include:

  • Obesity: Excess fat around the neck can narrow the airway, leading to snoring and apnoea’s.

  • Anatomical factors: Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, a thick neck, or a narrow airway can contribute to obstruction.

  • Age: As people age, throat muscles become weaker and may collapse more easily.

  • Lifestyle factors: Alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedatives can relax throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of obstruction.

  • Nasal issues: Chronic nasal congestion or structural issues like a deviated septum can contribute to breathing difficulties.

 

Health Implications:

  • Daytime Fatigue: Poor sleep quality can cause extreme tiredness during the day, impacting concentration, mood, and productivity.

  • Heart Disease: Repeated apnoea’s can strain the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

  • Diabetes: Sleep disturbances are linked to insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Memory and Cognitive Issues: Chronic sleep deprivation can impair memory and cognitive function.

  • Mental Health: OSA is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and irritability.

 

What a Dental Sleep Medicine Dentist Can Do:

Dr Chris, Dental Sleep Medicine Dentist, focuses her practice on the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders, including snoring and OSA. She can provide non-invasive treatments that are highly effective for snorers and mild to moderate cases of OSA and snoring.

 

Here’s how she can help:

  1. Oral Appliance Therapy:

    • Dr Chris can create a custom-made mandibular advancement device (MAD) that is tailored to your individual needs and dentition (teeth). These devices help reposition the lower jaw when you are asleep to keep the airway open, reducing snoring and preventing apnoea’s.

    • They are a comfortable, portable, and effective alternative to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, especially for patients who find CPAP masks uncomfortable.

  2. Screening and Diagnosis:

    • Dentists with training in sleep medicine can help screen for signs of sleep apnoea by identifying symptoms such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and wear patterns on the teeth, which often accompany OSA.

    • Dr Chris can arrange for patients to have a home sleep test with sleep physician reporting for accurate diagnosis and treatment choices.

    • During your consultation and airway assessment Dr Chris will also be able to advise and refer you to ENT for any further treatment if needed.

  3. Preventive Care:

    • A dental sleep dentist can guide patients on lifestyle changes such as weight management, reducing alcohol intake, and adjusting sleep positions to minimize airway obstruction.

  4. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments:

    • After prescribing an oral appliance, the Dr Chris will regularly monitor its effectiveness, make adjustments for comfort, and ensure that the appliance continues to provide optimal results over time.

 

By addressing the root causes of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, dental sleep medicine can provide valuable support in improving sleep quality and overall health for patients.

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Contact any of the practices listed to book in for your consultation.

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