Do you find yourself waking suddenly in the middle of the night? Do you feel sleepy during the day, though you go to bed at a reasonable hour? Does your loved one complain about your snoring?
These changes may indicate sleep apnoea, a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Your dentist in Bondi Junction may be able to help!
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea may be obstructive, central or complex, with obstructive being the most common.
If you have sleep apnoea, it means you stop breathing several to many times during the night.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea — When tissues or airway muscles collapse or relax during sleep
- Central Sleep Apnoea — When the brain does not prompt breathing muscles to work continuously
- Complex Sleep Apnoea — When obstructive sleep apnoea becomes complex, often due to treatment
Untreated Sleep Apnoea Complications
Without treatment for sleep apnoea, you’re at risk for severe health complications, including:
- Sudden cardiac event or death
- Weight gain and obesity
- Hypertension
- Daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes
- Depression/anxiety
- Diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- And more
The Connection Between Dental Health and Sleep Quality
Untreated sleep apnoea is sometimes linked to bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding), which can cause teeth to break down. You may notice an increase in cavities or even chips and fractures.
Bruxism can also aggravate your jaw joints (temporomandibular joints), leading to dysfunction (TMD) and inflammation.
Bruxism and TMD are painful conditions affecting the head, neck, shoulders, and jaw joints. They require treatment to restore quality of life and prevent tooth loss.
Sleep apnoea may also lead to dry mouth, which promotes tooth decay.
How Your Bondi Junction Dentist Can Help
In many cases, patients are issued CPAP machines to combat obstructive sleep apnoea, but not everyone can tolerate this cumbersome machine, which delivers continuous airflow into the airway throughout the night.
For mild to moderate sleep apnoea, your dentist may recommend appliance therapy. A nightguard gently prompts the airway to remain open during sleep. The custom appliance fits over the teeth.
Appliance therapy may help with bruxism, general snoring (not related to sleep apnoea) and TMJ symptoms as well.
Your dentist will assess your condition to determine candidacy.
4 Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene
Safe and restful sleep is crucial for your health and general well-being.
We recommend:
- If possible, sleep in a cool, comfortable space.
- Try to go to bed at the same time every night.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially close to bedtime.
- Try to clear your head before bed—think of something pleasant.
It may take time to reap the benefits of healthy sleep habits, but it’s important to start exercising better sleep hygiene as soon as possible.
Are You Looking for Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Bondi Junction?
To learn more about sleep apnoea or to book your consultation with the dentist, we welcome your call today on (02) 9389 2570.