How a Trip to the Dentist Can Help You Stop Sleep Apnoea

Sleeping is viewed as a peaceful escape to let the day’s worries melt away. But for millions of people, a good night’s sleep remains a distant dream, plagued by a condition called sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea is a severe disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This disruption affects the sleep cycle, causing daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, and potential health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. The most common treatment is a CPAP machine. It uses a mask to push air into your throat, keeping your airway open. It works, but lots of people find the mask uncomfortable and loud, so they stop using it.

Here’s where things get interesting: did you know a dentist might hold the key to a better night’s sleep and improved health for sleep apnoea sufferers? While it may not be the first specialist that comes to mind, dentists, as surprising as it may seem, play a crucial role in treating sleep apnoea.

Ways a Dentist Can Assist in Managing Sleep Apnoea

Dentists are trained to assess your mouth, jaw, and airway anatomy. This expertise makes them well-equipped to identify potential sleep apnoea risk factors, such as a narrow airway caused by a recessed jaw or enlarged tongue. Additionally, dentists can offer a non-invasive treatment option known as oral appliance therapy.

Oral Appliance Therapy

These custom-made mouthpieces look similar to athletic mouthguards. They work by gently holding your lower jaw forward, which helps to widen the airway and prevent it from collapsing during sleep. This allows for smoother breathing and a more restful night’s sleep.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

• Compared to a CPAP machine, oral appliances are more comfortable and discreet. They fit snugly in your mouth and allow for natural sleep positions.
• Studies show oral appliance therapy is a successful treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnoea cases.
• By preventing sleep disruptions, oral appliances can significantly improve sleep quality, leading to increased energy levels and better overall health.
• Oral appliances are small and convenient to carry, making them ideal for travel or overnight stays.

Candidates Suitable for Oral Appliance Therapy

Not everyone with sleep apnoea is a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Here are some factors a dentist will consider:

• Severity of sleep apnoea
• Facial structure and jaw anatomy
• Dental health

The Process of Getting an Oral Appliance

The dentist will create a customised oral appliance using moulds of your teeth and jaw. Wear it nightly, attend check-ups to confirm the fit, and make adjustments as necessary. These appliances maintain an open airway during sleep by repositioning the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction. They are also designed to keep the muscles of the tongue and soft palate from collapsing, preventing snoring.

How to Know If You Have Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling tired and sluggish all day, even after a full night’s sleep? This could be a sign of sleep apnoea.
2. Loud Snoring: Although not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea, loud snoring, particularly with gasping or choking noises, can indicate a potential issue.
3. Witnessed Breathing Pauses: If your partner notices you stop breathing briefly during sleep, it’s a strong indicator of sleep apnoea.
4. Morning Headaches: Waking up with frequent headaches could be linked to sleep apnoea-induced oxygen deprivation.
5. Restless Sleep: Do you toss and turn throughout the night, waking up unrefreshed? Sleep apnoea could be disrupting your sleep cycle.
6. Difficulty Concentrating: Sleep apnoea can affect your thinking abilities, causing issues with concentration, recollection, and learning.
7. Mood Swings: Irritability, depression, and anxiety are all potential side effects of sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest and a healthy life. With the help of a dentist and oral appliance therapy, you can finally get the quality sleep you deserve. Because sleep should be what sleep is meant to be – restful, rejuvenating and refreshing!