Are you having problems with poor quality sleep, tiredness or snoring? A dentist may be able to help.

Dentists can play a role in not only identifying sleep disorders but also in the management of some sleep conditions. A custom-made appliance, called a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS), can help to open the airway to improve sleep quality. Many patients believe that the only way to treat sleep problems is with a CPAP machine. If you have been put off by the thought of using a large and noisy machine then perhaps a dental appliance is the solution for you.

So Why is Snoring Important?

Many people may dismiss snoring and even make a joke of the issue. However, snoring is a sign of airway restriction and is commonly found in those with obstructive sleep apnoea. Patients with sleep apnoea will repeatedly stop breathing during the night. When this occurs there is a lack of oxygen to the brain causing the brain to respond by waking briefly in order to reopen the airway. This awake period may be so brief that you don’t remember it but it can have a serious impact on your sleep quality and also your general health.

How do we diagnose a sleep issue?

The first step in diagnosis is understanding your history. Waking up tired or partners reporting snoring can be a big hint that there is something wrong. If you are habing these issues, please let your dentist know.

The next step is a thorough oral examination. Did you know conditions like acid reflux and tooth grinding can be indictors of a sleep issue? When we examine your teeth we look for evidence of these conditions affecting your teeth.

The combination of your history and the findings in your mouth may make us suspicious. When this is the case your dentist may recommend you see a medical specialist for further assessment and a possible sleep study.

What Can a Dentist Do to Help?

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnoea or a sleep condition the medical specialist will make recommendations for treatment. For severe cases of sleep apnoea, surgeries or CPAP machines may be necessary. Where there is mild to moderate sleep apnoea a dental appliance (MAS) may be recommended. An MAS uses removable plates for the upper and lower teeth to reposition the lower jaw forwards and help to open the airway. By doing so it will help to reduce snoring in most patients and also improve sleep apnoea. An MAS is generally well tolerated by patients and is more convenient and portable than a CPAP machine.

Improvement in sleep quality will generally help patients to feel more refreshed upon wakening. Better quality sleep will improve concentration and reduce the risk of error and accidents caused by fatigue. Another important beneficiary of good quality sleep is the sleep of those who sleep next to you and this can be an important motivator for a patient to seek help

If you would like to know more please feel free to contact us. You can also book an appointment online for a consultation.

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