Snoring is a Serious Issue with Serious Effects

10/05/16 12:33:pm

What is snoring?

Snoring is the noise caused by the partial closure of the airway due to the relaxation of the soft tissue in the upper throat. This happens when the tongue drops backward whilst sleeping.

Certain factors increase the chances of snoring; physiology, gender, age, weight, and lifestyle. Factors that lead to increased soft tissue around the neck contribute, as do factors that cause additional relaxation of muscles, such as drinking alcohol or the use of sleeping tablets.

What is obstructive sleep (OSA)?

In extreme cases, partial closure of the airways can result in a drop of oxygen reaching the lungs. Equally, individuals can stop breathing altogether, with the sleeper starting to breathe again with a gasp, choke or snort.

This is indicative of OSA, where our body and brain is starved of oxygen for a short period of time. Snorers are more prone to developing more serious OSA.

The effects of snoring & OSA

Snoring and Sleep Apnoea can have an immense impact on the sufferer, their partner, and the family:

Daytime sleepiness
Motivational issues
Higher stress levels
Lack of energy during the day
Tiredness & Lack of concentration whilst driving
Poor effectiveness at work or education centres.

OSA is also known to contribute to more serious health issues:

Increased blood pressure/hypertension
Increased risk of diabetes
heightened chance of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
It can be a Cause of Death whilst sleeping
Increased risk of mental health concerns
Poor relationship with partner & embarrassment.

Recommended Treatment Options

The safest and least invasive treatment will be to:

Reduce your weight
Avoid alcohol in the late evenings
To wear a dental mouth guard that keeps your airway open. This is the preferred treatment.
To have oxygen masks whilst sleeping; to deliver enough oxygen to the brain to counteract the medical problems that can be induced. This is the preferred method for the most severe cases.

Visit a Trained Dentist in diagnosing OSA and certified in Mandibular Advancement treatments and/ or Visit your GP immediately-

The GP can discuss treatments on the NHS. If you feel that you actually have OSA, then ask for a sleep centre referral. Most of our local ENT departments have sleep clinics. Avoid surgical procedures as studies show that they are not any more effective than non-surgical approaches.

Certified Dentists have been trained to undertake diagnosis, treatment, and provide a follow-up care service to snorers and those with OSA.

If your dentist believes you are suffering from Simple Snoring which may develop or is contributing to OSA, then they will recommend a mouth appliance that is to be worn at night time. It works by advancing your lower jaw into a comfortable and measured position to allow the airway to remain patent whilst sleeping.

This will decrease the effects of snoring and the noise will be considerably reduced too. You will get a better night's sleep – and feel more alert / and awake during the daytime. More productive at work and have a longer concentration span.

It will be safer to drive without tiredness setting in and not to mention better sleep for you and your partner!

The most clinically proven treatment of snoring and mild to moderate sleep Apnoea is the Sleepwell and Somnowell devices. The Somnowell is a more robust and comfortable device but is more costly.

CONTACT 020 8551 0088 FOR MORE INFORMATION or BOOK TO SEE A CERTIFIED CLINICIAN.

Author: Dr. Tasleem Ahmed

Dr. Tasleem Ahmed is the Practice Owner and Principal Dentist Of the Award Winning Dental Practice, Longwood House Dental Care. She is an expert in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, and Implant Dentistry. She has been awarded recognition as Leading Physician of The World and holds Platinum Elite Invisalign status.

Dr. Ahmed has undertaken special training in Occlusion and Orthodontics and is highly experienced in treating problems associated with the jaw joint including associated pain and migraines. She has developed surgical skills in the field of Dental Implantology, and advanced training in periodontal treatment at Guy’s Hospital University, where she has been a Clinical Lecturer for 13 years.