Sleep disordered breathing refers to a narrowing of the airway during sleep, leading to various symptoms. These include loud snoring, instances of choking or gasping for air while asleep, frequent awakenings throughout the night, disrupted sleep, and excessive daytime drowsiness. Snoring results from a partial closure of the airway, causing air to move more swiftly during breathing and resulting in vibrations of soft tissues that create noise. Sleep apnea involves a complete closure of the airway, causing a person to temporarily stop breathing, which leads to disturbances in the sleep pattern.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dentistry
Causes of Sleep Disordered Breathing
Airway obstruction can originate in several areas. The most prevalent site is the back of the throat, where muscles relax during sleep and fail to keep the airway unobstructed.
Factors often associated with this include:
- Excess weight can exacerbate this by causing fat accumulation in the neck region
- Alcohol and sedative use further relax the muscles
- Smoking irritates tissues and causes fluid retention
- Back sleeping can allow gravity to collapse the tongue,
- Nasal congestion which occurs with allergies and sinus problems that can narrow the nasal passages
- Anatomical factors can also reduce the airway space such as enlarged tonsils and a deviated septum.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dentistry
Treatment for Sleep Disordered Breathing
The initial step in addressing sleep disordered breathing involves evaluating its severity through a sleep study. For mild cases, lifestyle adjustments like weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and altering sleeping positions might be recommended. In mild to moderate instances, a mandibular advancement device (M.A.D) can be employed. This device repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward, thus opening up the airway space during sleep. In severe cases, a continuous positive airway pressure (C.P.A.P) machine is utilized. This device delivers a continuous stream of air via a mask worn during sleep, helping to maintain an open airway. Surgical intervention might be considered for structural problems contributing to the obstruction.
Steps for sleep
STEP 1
Sleep Consultation.
STEP 2
Sleep study with Home
Sleep Studies Australia.
STEP 3
Sleep Assessment review
of results and discussion
of treatment options.
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Jared Russell2026-03-24I’ve been coming here for over 4 years now and couldn’t be happier with the care I’ve received. Dr Astin Friskin has been absolutely incredible...professional, gentle, and genuinely caring. She always made me feel comfortable and took the time to explain everything clearly, which made a huge difference. I now see Dr Nicole Yuen, and she has continued that same amazing level of care. She’s also incredibly open to feedback and genuinely wants to get everything right, even going out of her way to fix the smallest admin mishap. That level of care and accountability really stands out. Both dentists truly go above and beyond for their patients. What really stands out is how well they get to know you as a person. Even though you might only visit twice a year, they remember the small details about your life, which makes every appointment feel personal and welcoming. The reception team also deserves a special mention. They go out of their way to make every visit feel 5 star. It’s such a nice touch being welcomed by name by each receptionist, even those who weren’t at the desk when you first arrived. Their communication is fantastic, their care is genuine, and the whole experience is always positive. I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough!Joseph Rivera2026-03-13Had my first appointment at this clinic today. The end-to-end care was spot on - clear explanations, solid action plan and really great communication. Just got a root canal done and Dr Nicole Y and she completely eased my nerves and concerns. Pain management was exceptional - she checked in the whole way through and made sure I was comfortable at every step. Top-tier patient care from start to finish - even adjusting the air temp to suit my needs. Highly recommend.Denise Goulding2026-03-07Had a great experience today. Dr Suzy was attentive and did a great job cleaning my teeth and gave me good advice. Sarah did a good job assisting and Tatiana on the reception was kind and considerate. Yeronga Park Dental great place to get your oral health taken care of.Anna Huynh2026-02-06Dr Yuen is a lifesaver. I had been getting migraines and to think it came from my tooth. She provided emergency treatment and scheduled me back to ensure that it did not happen again. She and her team provide holistic care for myself and my family. My toddler was booked in and they were amazing! He was not scared at all and had so much fun in the dentist chair! Thank you Yeronga Park!Joseph Jou2026-02-05Dr Suzy is awesome.Nick Cubit2026-01-30Dr Suzy Koh was very polite, friendly and professional. My check-ups and treatments have been very quick and painless, and I have been very happy with the results. The assistants and staff on reception have also been wonderful!Daniel Ireland2026-01-23Dr Suzy is great.Christopher Newman2026-01-07Very polite, gentle and a great communicator with what’s going on during an appointment
