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 with
Dr Darren Ringelstein.
STEP 2
Sleep study with Home
Sleep Studies Australia.
STEP 3
Sleep Assessment review
of results with Dr Darren
Ringelstein and discussion
of treatment options.
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I never thought I could be so okay with going to the Dentist!
~ Amanda R, March 2021
2023 – Yeronga Park Dental. All Rights Reserved.
2023 – Yeronga Park Dental. All Rights Reserved.
Sarah Parrish2024-03-21I'm not a great dental patient but I got the poor teeth in my family so I spend quite a bit of time in the dentist chair. I have gone to Nicole for over 10 years now and we have built a strong relationship where she knows me, what makes me nervous, and how to help me stay calm. This has built a really strong foundation of trust in Nicole and her team for my whole family.
Sarah Karancole2024-02-23Love this place!?! Best service from a dentist I’ve had in years the girls fixed my teeth up nicely. non judgemental positive environment also really went through with me and showed me the damage I had done and the next and best steps to keep my smile bright and beautiful and healthy. Was always abit scared of getting myself to the dentist would 100% go back here though.
Jennifer Finniss2023-07-01Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Erin & Steve Baskerville2023-07-01What a lovely practice. So warm and welcoming
Andrew Mills2023-07-01Great place
Anna Halden2023-07-01Friendly, professional and quality service. Elise has built a great rapport with my five year old son who always looks forward to his visits! Highly recommend.
Emma M2023-07-01These guys are awesome. Professional and friendly. Highly recommend.
Anna Hu2023-06-13Dr 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!
Riley Duncombe2023-05-13I saw Dr Elise for a checkup and clean, she was extremely professional and made me feel super comfortable. Would highly recommend Dr Elise for anyone who gets a little anxious when seeing the dentist!
Natalie Bentley2023-02-21Dr Nicole is amazing. She is very gentle and spends the time to explain things throughly so I can understand everything that is going on during my appointment. She is calm and makes me feel at ease for being at the dentist. The practice staff are so lovely which makes such a difference to have such friendly receptionists and dental assistants. Overall a really great experience :-)