Snoring Treatment

Do you or your partner suffer from snoring?
Snoring usually causes no significant medical problems, however for some people it may lead to a more serious medical condition known as ‘Obstructive Sleep Apnoea’.
Sleep Apnoea is caused by the blockage of the airway when the lower jaw and the tongue collapses against the back of your throat when you lie down. This obstructs the upper airway resulting pauses in breathing and/or instances of shallow breaths when asleep. Sleep apnea can be serious if not timely treated.

Symptoms and signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea :
   Morning headaches
   Tiredness upon waking
   Choking or gasping during the night
   Sore, dry throat on waking
   Poor concentration
   Memory deterioration
   Anxiety or depression
You might be pleased to know that dentistry may have a solution for you. Oral Appliance Therapy can be used to treat both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in adults. By preventing the lower jaw from dropping back during sleep, these devices can prevent the closure of your airways, which will stop you from snoring. Your dentist can fit one of these for you. Here is how the treatment works:
1) A custom-made mouth piece is made from impressions taken of your teeth to ensure they fit you comfortably.
2) Made from a hard wearing plastic, the mouthpiece is worn at night and works by holding the bottom jaw in a slightly forward position.
3) This position opens up your airway significantly, allowing you to breathe better and as a result sleep better too.
These devices are best designed and fitted by experienced dentists trained in sleep disorder therapy. In some severe cases, surgery may be an option for treatment.
If you feel you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is best to see your doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment.