With Sleep Awareness week running from the 8th-14th March this year, and considering that dentists are sometimes the first to pick up on sleeping disorders due to their symptoms, Love-Teeth Dental Practice wanted to raise awareness of treatment options for a sleep problem that affects approximately 1 in 5 people.
Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes you to momentarily stop breathing or have shallow breaths. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep apnoea, which is where the muscles in your throat and mouth relax, causing a blockage. If you think you may have sleep apnoea, then have a chat with your GP who can arrange a sleep study.
There are a number of things you can do to improve your situation if you have this condition.
CPAP Machine
For more serious cases, or where other treatments have not worked, a machine called a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) may be an option for you. This machine has a mask which provides a constant flow of air, keeping your airways open while you sleep.
Life Adjustments
There are a couple of small adjustments that can be made in your life to improve the symptoms. The first of these is to lie on your side, which eases the obstruction. Try getting a special pillow to stop you turning in the night. The second of the things you can do is to reduce your weight if you are overweight, as this can contribute to the condition.
Speak to a Dentist at Love-Teeth Dental Practice
There are a number of treatments available for sleep apnoea, but depending on the case, speaking to a dentist may offer a solution. We may advise the use of a Silensor which brings the soft tissue forward. Take a look at our treatment page for more information.
It might be that it is not the apnoea that is the issue but the symptoms such as the grinding of the teeth, which can cause disruption with other members of the household as well as causing damage to your teeth. We can help with this, offering splints to prevent contact. Take a look at our blog to learn more.
With its surgery in Prestwich, Love-Teeth Dental Practice has many years’ experience working with people who are having issues with their sleep. Whether the problem is teeth-grinding, snoring, or sleep apnoea, we would be delighted to talk through how we can help improve your overall sleep quality. Call us on 0161 773 7080 to arrange an appointment.
