Snoring driving you mad??

It is estimated over 24 million adults in the U.K. snore.

Snoring is the noise caused by the partial closure of the airway due to the relaxation of the soft tissue in the upper throat.

Snoring is part of a number of sleep conditions which all involve the upper airway. Snoring itself usually results in no sleep disturbance for the individual only for their partner/family. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea(OSA) is a potentially life-threatening condition where the airway collapses during sleep. This can begin as snoring, but then progress to grunting and gasping sounds as well as stopping breathing altogether, this if often very distressing for the sleep partner. It is important if you or your partner notice any of these symptoms to get advice from a medical professional be that your GP or your dentist.

Certain factors increase the chance of snoring: age, anatomy, gender, weight, medications and lifestyle factors are all of key importance and initial therapy always focuses modification of lifestyle factors, for example, losing weight or stopping smoking.

Snoring can have a large impact on the sufferer, their partner and their family. Multiple side effects include daytime sleepiness, motivational issues, high stress levels, lack of energy, poor effectiveness and social isolation.

Snoring is also implicated in increasing the risk of a number of medical problems, not only in the sufferer but also in their partner. Sleep deprivation and interrupted sleep increases a person’s risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke.

Considering the large number of people who suffer from this disorder relatively few people are aware that their general dentist can help them.

The Sleepwell device is the most clinically proven and effective mandibular splint for treating snoring and other sleep related disorders.

It can be made by your general dentist as long as they have had the appropriate post graduate training.

It works by moving and holding the lower jaw (mandible) in a forwards position, which in turn helps to open the airway at the back of the throat making the passage of air easier reducing the number of vibrations of the tissue which is what leads to the snoring sound.

This device has been clinically proven to reduce snoring in 100% of cases. Patient compliance and satisfaction with the device is very high. The MAS (mandibular advancement splint) is tailor made for each individual and has a soft inner liner for comfort. They are two piece devices which are fully self-adjusting.

If you have any concerns about yourself or your sleep partner or would like more information on anti-snoring devices please contact our reception team who will be able to book you a consultation with myself.