Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

Snoring can be disruptive to your partners sleep but more importantly, it can be a sign of a more serious condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where the upper passages of your airway close off, interrupting your breathing and depriving you of oxygen until you wake up and start breathing again. It can lead to other health issues and so treatment is required.
One of the treatment options available is to wear a Mandibular Advancement Splint worn during sleep. Some indications that your snoring may be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is pauses in breathing, gasping episode, waking feeling as tired as when you went to sleep and sleepiness during the day, morning headaches.

Snoring is common in both men and women. It can problematic in itself, disturbing the bed partner and creating relationship strain. However, It can also be a sign of a medical condition called obstructive sleep apnoea.

20% of Australians will experience snoring during their lifetime. In most case snoring causes no significant problem but, for some people, snoring can be due to a quite serious condition called obstructive sleep apnoea.

This condition can be harmful to health and should be dealt with to prevent stroke, heart disease or high blood pressure. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea can often be treated with the use of specialized oral appliances known as Mandibular Advancement Splint. These appliances are fitted and use monitored by a dentist who is trained in their use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Obstructive Sleep Anoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs when the airway is closed off during sleep leading to pauses and restrictions of breathing during sleep.

This condition can be harmful to your health and increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, oter health problems and even motor vehicle accidents.

Key signs and symptoms include:

Snoring
Chocking and gasping during sleep
Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
Daytime sleepiness and irritability
Waking unrefreshed in the morning
Trouble with concentration and memory
Napping and Falling asleep during the day

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a potentially serious medical condition, so cases of snoring and suspected sleep apnoea should be investigated by your general medical practitioner, sleep physician or an ear-nose and throat specialist.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs when the airway is closed off during sleep leading to pauses and restrictions of breathing during sleep.

This condition can be harmful to your health and increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, oter health problems and even motor vehicle accidents.

Key signs and symptoms include:

Snoring
Chocking and gasping during sleep
Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
Daytime sleepiness and irritability
Waking unrefreshed in the morning
Trouble with concentration and memory
Napping and Falling asleep during the day

Can a dentist help with snoring?

One treatment option for medically diagnosed snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a Mandibular Advancement Splint custom made for you by your dentist.
A Mandibular Advancement Splint fit on the teeth and holds the lower jaw in a forward protruded position to open the airway for unobstructed breathing and a restful night sleep.

Call us today to make an appointment to discuss a mandibular advancement splint as a treatment option for your snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea.