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KITCHENER STREET DENTAL
Sleep Apnoea
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Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Apnoea Treatment Toowoomba
Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, blocking off the upper airway.
What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea occurs when breathing stops for a period of time (each pause in breathing is called an apnoea) until the brain registers the lack of breathing or a drop in oxygen levels and sends a small wake-up call. The sleeper rouses slightly, opens the upper airway, typically snorts and gasps, and then drifts back to sleep almost immediately. It’s estimated that about five per cent of Australians suffer from this sleep disorder, with around one in four men over the age of 30 been affected.
Degrees of severity
- Normal – less than five interruptions an hour
- Mild sleep apnoea – between 5 and 15 interruptions an hour
- Moderate sleep apnoea – between 15 and 30 interruptions an hour
- Severe sleep apnoea – over 30 interruptions an hour.
Contributing factors
People with significant sleep apnoea have an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and high blood pressure and may have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Alcohol, especially in the evening – this relaxes the throat muscles and hampers the brain’s reaction to sleep disordered breathing.
- Certain illnesses, like reduced thyroid hormone production or the presence of a very large goitre.
- Large tonsils, especially in children.
- Medications, such as sleeping tablets and sedatives.
- Nasal congestion and obstruction.
- Facial bone shape and the size of muscles, such as an undershot jaw.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
Some of the symptoms associated with sleep apnoea include:
- Snoring
- Waking up un-fresh
- Some degree of sleepiness
- Disturbed breathing during sleep
- Poor Concentration
- Sexual Dysfunction
How can we treat Sleep Apnoea?
Treatment for sleep apnoea relies on changes to lifestyle. This includes losing weight and cutting down on alcohol. Any contributing medical condition, such as low production of thyroid hormone, also needs to be corrected. Any surgical conditions such as large tonsils should be corrected.
- Airway pressure therapy via a mask worn at night that keeps the back of the throat open by forcing air through the nose.
- Taking a sleep test (normally referred by your General Practitioner)
- Dental appliances
When visiting your trusted team at Kitchener Street Dental, we are able to assist in finding the cause and assist in treating sleep apnoea. Book a consultation with our team today to find out if you are eligible for dental appliance to treat sleep apnoea.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the signs associated with sleep apnoea?
- Snoring and headaches
- Choking and sweating while you asleep
- Poor memory
- High blood pressure and weight gain
- Depression
- Clenching/grinding of the teeth
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a dental incident that requires immediate treatment. Incidents such as uncontrollable bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, and severe pain ARE considered emergencies.
A lost filling, a mild toothache, or a chipped tooth that’s not causing pain are NOT considered dental emergencies.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact us immediately on (07) 3184 8462.
Do you have to pay for dental treatment straight away?
At Kitchener Street Dental in Toowoomba, we have several different payment options including a Denticare payment plan in order to cater for our patients. For more information regarding our payment options, visit our website or contact us directly.
What's it like being sedated at the dentist?
At Kitchener Street Dental, you’ll inhale a gas to help you feel more relaxed and reduce dental anxiety during your procedure. Being sedated at the dentist is a feeling of calmness and drowsiness.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. It can be classified into two main types: obstructive sleep apnoea (caused by a blockage in the airway) and central sleep apnoea (caused by a failure of the brain to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing). Sleep apnoea can lead to fragmented sleep, oxygen deprivation, and various health issues if left untreated. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, devices like CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgery.
Can sleep apnoea be cured?
While sleep apnoea cannot be fully cured, there are strategies to alleviate symptoms and reduce its severity. Lifestyle changes, including weight loss, have been shown to have a positive impact on sleep apnoea. Furthermore, there are various treatment options available, such as breathing devices and surgical interventions, that can help manage the condition.
Sleep apnoea occurs due to the relaxation of muscles in the upper airway during sleep, leading to reduced airflow. In addition to weight loss, there are several effective methods to improve sleep and address sleep apnoea symptoms.
What is the best treatment for sleep apnoea?
The best treatment for sleep apnoea varies depending on the individual's condition. Common options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. The most appropriate treatment is determined based on the severity and type of sleep apnoea, as well as individual needs.
Dental appliances, also called oral devices, are custom-fitted devices made by dentists or orthodontists. They are a non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. These devices work by repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. They are comfortable, portable, and don't require electricity. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, and a professional evaluation is needed to determine their effectiveness for an individual's specific condition.
Get in touch
Speak to the team at Kitchener Street Dental to book in for an appointment.