Sleep Apnoea – How Your Dentist Can Help
Do you wake up feeling tired, snore loudly, or struggle with daytime fatigue? You may be suffering from sleep apnoea—a common condition where your breathing stops and starts during sleep, often without you knowing.
These pauses in breathing happen when the airway becomes blocked, forcing the brain to briefly wake the body to reopen it. This can happen multiple times an hour, disturbing your sleep and affecting your health.
Why It Matters
Sleep apnoea doesn't just affect your sleep—it can increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Daytime fatigue and accidents
- Poor concentration and memory
It’s more common than many people realise, especially in men over 30.
Common Causes
Several factors can contribute to a blocked airway during sleep, including:
A small or recessed lower jaw
Large tonsils or tongue
Nasal congestion
Excess weight
Alcohol or sedative use
Facial structure or muscle tone
How Kitchener Street Dental Can Help
As dentists, we play a key role in helping patients manage mild to moderate sleep apnoea through the use of custom-made dental appliances. These comfortable mouthguards-like-appliances are worn during sleep to gently reposition your jaw and keep your airway open.
We can assist with:
- Assessment and screening for sleep apnoea symptoms
- Custom-fitted oral appliances for improved breathing during sleep
- Referral for sleep studies to confirm diagnosis, if needed
- Ongoing support to monitor your progress
What You Can Do
If you suspect sleep apnoea, early action can make a big difference.
Treatment often includes:
- Lifestyle changes (weight loss, limiting alcohol)
- Use of oral appliances or CPAP (depending on severity)
- Managing nasal congestion or other contributing conditions
- Regular dental check-ups to assess oral health and appliance fit
A better night’s sleep starts with a dental check-up.
Book a consultation at Kitchener Street Dental to discuss your symptoms. Our team can help assess your risk and provide a custom dental solution to improve your sleep—and your health.
If snoring or disrupted sleep is affecting your life, contact Kitchener Street Dental on 07 4638 5111 to discuss effective sleep apnoea solutions.