Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Wagga Wagga

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We all snore occasionally, but can be quite annoying if a partner snores frequently and it may also indicate they have a deeper problem called sleep apnoea. This condition has the potential to affect general health and it is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you think you or someone else close to you may have sleep apnoea then our dentist in Wagga Wagga can help.
Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Wagga Wagga

What Is Sleep Apnoea?

The most common form of sleep apnoea is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and is due to the airway becoming completely or partially blocked for several seconds before breathing restarts, often with a loud snort or gasp. One of the main problems with OSA is that it can occur hundreds of times a night, partially but not completely awakening the sufferer.
If you have OSA then you probably think you sleep right through the night, even though the lack of quality sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness.

How Can Sleep Apnoea Affect My General Health?

Without the correct treatment, sleep apnoea can increase your risk of heart disease and strokes; it may lead to higher blood pressure and could increase your risk of diabetes. Excessive sleepiness increases your risk of having an accident.

What Can Be Done to Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnoea?

When you visit Kooringal Dental, our dentist will talk to you about your symptoms and can take a look at your mouth and throat. Sometimes this condition can be caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils and if this is the case then we can refer you to an ENT surgeon. The airway can become blocked as the neck muscles relax during sleep and some people simply have a narrow airway. Often OSA can be easily treated by using an oral device. This will be custom-made for you and works by bringing the lower jaw forward slightly, which helps to open up the airway during sleep.

Other treatments include Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP). For this treatment you will need to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and which is attached to a machine that will regulate the air pressure as you inhale. This prevents the airway from collapsing during sleep and suppresses snoring.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Treat My Sleep Apnoea?

We can certainly talk to you about ways to treat any symptoms of sleep apnoea. Quite often making lifestyle changes can make a difference. For example, ensuring your weight is within a healthy range and avoiding caffeinated drinks before bedtime can make a difference. Other people find avoiding alcohol and smoking to be useful.

To schedule a consultation with our dentists, please call us on (02) 6922 6840. We are located at Kooringal Mall, 32/269-293 Lake Albert Road, Kooringal NSW 2650.

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