Snoring is a common problem that almost everyone will experience at some point in their life. However, chronic snoring can be more of a serious condition for both the snorer and anyone they share a bed or bedroom with.
There are multiple factors that cause snoring, but in simple terms it is caused by obstruction of the airway. Sleeping position, being overweight, a blocked or stuffy nose due to a cold or allergies, small or collapsing nostrils, and lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption and the use of sleeping pills can all be contributory factors to snoring.
Sleep apnoea is a severe form of snoring that affects about 4% of the population. With this condition the airway is completely obstructed during sleep, causing sufferers to stop breathing for short periods. Your body's natural reaction to this is to wake you up, meaning those with sleep apnoea wake up several times a night and leading to tiredness and irritability in the morning.
We would always recommend that sleep apnoea patients visit a sleep clinic in the first instance. What many people don't realise, however, is that for snoring dentists are often able to provide a solution, leading to a better night's sleep and improved overall health.
At Amsel & Wilkins our dentist John Adams has a special interest in snoring treatment. For moderate to heavy snorers, devices called mandibular advancement appliances can be beneficial. They are worn in the mouth at night, holding the lower jaw in a forward position to keep the airway open during sleep and prevent or reduce snoring. These devices are custom-made to fit your mouth and are full adjustable.
Some cases of sleep apnoea can also be treated with mandibular advancement appliances, although you should seek advice from a sleep clinic first to see if treatment with an appliance is the best option, or if lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight or drinking less alcohol is more appropriate.
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep. This obstruction can be due to various factors, including the anatomy of your mouth and sinuses, being overweight, congestion from colds or allergies, alcohol consumption before bed, sleep posture, and the stage of sleep. The vibrating sounds of snoring come from the turbulent airflow causing the tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate.
Dentists can offer several solutions for snoring, depending on its cause and severity. One common treatment is the use of oral appliances designed to keep the airway open during sleep. These devices adjust the position of the lower jaw and tongue, reducing airway obstruction and the vibration of soft tissues. Your dentist can custom-fit these appliances to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Yes, there are various types of oral appliances available to help manage snoring, including mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). MADs work by slightly advancing the lower jaw to keep the airway open, while TRDs hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from blocking the airway. Your dentist can help determine the most appropriate type based on your specific needs.
Yes, snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If you experience loud snoring accompanied by daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or pauses in breathing during sleep, it's important to seek evaluation for sleep apnea. Treatment for OSA often involves the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or an oral appliance therapy.
Several lifestyle changes can help reduce snoring, including:
Oral appliances can be very effective for many people who snore, especially those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual's specific condition, the type of appliance used, and proper fitting and use. It's important to have a dental professional custom-fit the appliance and monitor its use to ensure the best outcomes.
Yes, a prescription from a dentist or physician is typically required for a custom-fitted oral appliance. This ensures that the appliance is properly designed and fitted for your specific needs and that any potential underlying conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are appropriately diagnosed and treated.
If your snoring persists despite trying oral appliance therapy and making lifestyle changes, it's important to consult with your dentist or a sleep specialist. You may require further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your snoring and explore other treatment options, such as CPAP therapy, surgery, or alternative oral appliances.
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Oxfordshire OX16 5EG
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