Sleep apnoea causes disrupted breathing during sleep. It occurs when the soft tissue and muscles in the throat relax and collapse to such an extent that they totally block the airway, meaning the person is unable to breathe for 10 seconds or more. In order to restore airflow and breathe normally, the sleeper has to momentarily wake up, resulting in a large or ‘heroic snore’.  Symptoms of sleep apnoea include extreme tiredness, poor memory or concentration and headaches.  A lack of refreshing sleep may also mean sufferers are at increased risk of being involved in accidents when driving or in work related incidents. Worryingly, research has shown that a person sleep deprived due to OSA has the same impaired judgements as someone who is over the drink drive limit.

In July, Labour Leader Ed Miliband underwent surgery for his sleep apnoea. Whilst surgery is an option, many cases can be successfully treated with an anti-snoring appliance called the ‘Zx’ which comes from America. This appliance is similar to a gum shield and is worn over your upper teeth whilst sleeping. It pushes the jaw forward in order to prevent the airway from becoming blocked. The fitted anti-snoring dental appliance is not painful or uncomfortable but it may take some time to get used to it. It can be easily cleaned by soaking it in fresh water for a period of time every few days. This device is proven to reduce the symptoms of snoring and will allow you to breathe more easily. World renowned sleep expert Professor Jim Horne of Loughborough University states that in many cases a professionally fitted dental appliance is an effective treatment for sleep apnoea.

Snoring is a common sleeping problem that many people suffer. In most cases, it is a simple disorder, but it can cause irritability, headaches and tiredness. Snoring is often confused with sleep apnoea, which is a breathing disruption while sleeping.

Sleeping disorders not only affect the person suffering from them but also the person’s partner. They can cause sleep deprivation, which can, in turn, lead to serious health consequences if not treated in time.

Sleeping disorders were once treatable only through positive air pressure and surgical treatments, but with advancements in science and technology, they can be addressed with simple dental appliances provided by your cosmetic dentist.

After carrying out an assessment of your snoring problem and identifying the symptoms of any sleep deprivation disorder, the cosmetic dentist may treat your problem with an anti snoring dental appliance that fits over your upper teeth. The appliance prevents the lower jaw and tongue from dropping back in the airway, which reduces the symptoms of snoring. This enables you to breathe more easily and therefore sleep better.

The fitted anti snoring dental appliance is not painful or uncomfortable but it may take some time for you to get used to it. It can be easily cleaned by soaking it in fresh water for a period of time every few days.

A visit to your cosmetic dentist may well provide the answer to help treat your snoring problem and lead you to enjoying a good night’s sleep.