Do you suffer from breathing difficulties during sleep? Snoring?
A person snores when the soft tissues on their upper airways collapse against each other, causing these tissues to vibrate as the person tries to breathe and pass air through them.
- Snoring can be a result of a combination of factors:
- A large tongue
- A long soft palate
- Excess fat deposits in the throat area
- Large tonsils
- Incorrect jaw position
- Nasal passageway obstruction
- Sleeping on one’s back, causing the tongue to drop to the back of the mouth
You will be delighted to know that dentistry may have a solution for you. The treatment involves no surgery and is very successful.
It is called a mandibular advancement splint, MAS. An oral device is fitted that addresses your snoring problems by preventing the lower jaw from dropping back during sleep, thereby preventing the closure of your airways, which will stop you from snoring.
It is prudent, however, to eliminate potentially contributing factors: abstinence from alcohol and caffeine during the evening, avoidance of central nervous system depressants (certain drugs including sleeping tablets) and adequate control of co-existing chronic obstructive airway disease (asthma or hypothyroidism). Excessive weight can also increase the risk of snoring.
It is essential for us to undertake a detailed review and examination to identify those at risk of sleep apnoea and advise on appropriate medical follow up. This forms an integral part of the initial consultation. Along with taking your medical history, we will carry out a dental exam, and a review of lifestyle aspects including snoring history, alcohol smoking and diet.
Not all dentists have undergone training to provide anti-snoring mandibular advancement devices, and it is important that patients only see those dentists who have undertaken the appropriate training.
All our dentists can advise on some basic information but a full consultation with Dr Judith Husband is necessary, it must be noted that not all patients will be appropriate for this care. Dr Judith Husband is a registered member of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine
Healthy teeth and gums are essential, your regular dental examinations are key to maintaining mouth health.
If you want to know more or have a chat, if you have concerns please call us on 01327342412.
