At Adelaide City Dental Care, we believe in helping our patients achieve not only healthy smiles but also a better quality of life. Today, we are shining a spotlight on sleep apnoea, a condition that can disrupt your sleep and negatively impact your overall health.

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a temporary blockage in your airway. Current findings have also found that the tissues in the upper airway are also more likely to collapse with aging.

Common symptoms of sleep apnoea can include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Morning headaches
  • Feeling unrefreshed upon waking
  • Grinding teeth during sleep

If left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

How to Address Sleep Apnoea

If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, it is important to speak with your local GP. Consider bringing your bedroom partner along if they notice your sleep being noisy or disturbed. Your GP will refer you to a sleep clinic for a sleep study, where your oxygen levels and breathing patterns will be monitored overnight.

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

There are two main treatments for managing sleep apnoea:

  1. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) – This is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. A CPAP machine uses a mask that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep your airway open as you sleep.
  2. Mandibular Advancement Splints – For mild to moderate sleep apnoea or for those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine, a bimaxillary advancement splint is an effective alternative. This custom-fitted device helps reposition the lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway open and prevents it from collapsing during sleep. They are also a great option for those who travel a lot.

At Adelaide City Dental Care, we offer a range of Somnomed devices as part of our commitment to providing high-quality solutions for sleep apnoea. Somnomed is a leader in the development of mandibular advancement splints, offering a comfortable, non-invasive way to manage sleep apnoea without the need for bulky equipment like CPAP machines. We can custom-fit a Somnomed device to your unique mouth and jaw structure, ensuring it is comfortable and effective.

Schedule a Consultation Today! If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnoea, snoring, or related symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. We will help you explore the best treatment options, including the Somnomed device, to improve your sleep quality and overall health.

See you in the clinic!  The Adelaide City Dental Care Team.PS:  check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps!  Maybe even the latest video on YouTube.

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