Is your partner keeping you up with night snoring and you don’t know what to do? If so, a dentist that specialises in sleep apnoea solutions may be able to help. Lack of sleep from your partner’s snoring may cause you to have headaches, fatigue and attention problems. But your partner may be suffering even more as a result of their snoring, as snoring can cause fatigue, poor concentration and irritability and can increase the risk of other conditions such as high blood pressure and depression.

Studies show that between 30 to 50 percent of the population struggle with some form of snoring.  Over 70 percent of people who regularly snore also have sleep apnoea with most people unaware that they are suffering from the condition. Due to this frequency, there are a lot of products on the market today to help combat this unwanted condition, including many dental devices.

Oral sleep appliances

Oral sleep appliances are small, plastic devices that are placed in the mouth while the patient is sleeping. The device fits into the mouth just like a dental retainer or mouth guard. The appliance is designed to push the lower jaw forward while you sleep. Since snoring is caused by a blockage in your airway, the device forces your jaw to remain in the forward position, keeping the upper airway open. This, in turn, allows you and your partner to get a good night’s sleep.

The benefits of oral sleep appliances

These dental appliances are very compact and easy to care for, which makes them very portable. Unlike bulky treatment options, such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, oral sleep appliances can travel with you wherever you go. In addition, some patients find that CPAPs are too intrusive and they are not able to use them. Most of these same patients are able to use dental devices successfully.

Which device is right for you?

There are currently over 100 oral sleep appliances available today, which can make it tricky to know which one will be helpful. However, a dentist who is familiar with sleep apnoea and its dental solutions can evaluate each patient and help to determine the right device. Sometimes it is necessary to try several dental appliances before you find the one that stops the snoring.

Remember, you don’t have to lose another night’s sleep. If you or your partner are snoring, schedule an appointment today to discuss sleep apnoea and dental treatment options.