If snoring is a problem, this may help…
Corinna Dental are registered providers of the Anti-Snoring Device, SomnoDent.
What is snoring?
Most of us are familiar with the noise that can be produced when someone is asleep. The sound is caused by turbulent airflow in the nose and throat that causes the soft tissues in these areas to vibrate.
Snoring is very common, and anyone can snore. Some studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis. People who typically don’t snore may find that they do when they have a viral illness, when they take certain kinds of medication or after drinking alcohol.
What causes snoring?
When we sleep, the area at the back of our throat can become narrowed. The movement of air through this narrowed space causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, which creates the snoring sound.
The narrowing can occur in the nose, mouth or throat.
Is snoring a problem?
Often a person’s snoring is no greater problem than the noise itself: that is, it can be more of a ‘social’ problem rather than a health problem. It can of course cause sleep disturbances in the snorer’s sleep partner or other household members
However, snoring can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which can have very serious health implications.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airways narrow during sleep to the point of complete closure. The breathing stops for a short time, and then the person wakes slightly in response to a need to draw breath prompted by the brain’s detection of low oxygen. While the person wakes enough to draw breath, they are not aware of this, even though hundreds of OSA events can occur every night.
What are the health problems associated with OSA?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is associated with greater risk of suffering cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure.
What Can Be Done About Snoring?
It is a good idea to visit a sleep physician to diagnose the exact cause of your snoring or sleep disturbances. If the cause is mild to moderate OSA, wearing a device like the SomnoDent appliance is a comfortable, non-invasive therapy that is very effective at maintaining open airways during sleep. This allows your sleep to be undisturbed, restful and snore-free.
What is a SomnoDent Appliance?
The Somnodent Appliance is a dental plate that is custom made to fit in your mouth comfortably at night during sleep. It simply helps to position your lower jaw forward, which keeps the airway at the back of your mouth open. The appliance is designed to allow adjustments to occur: this means that the jaw’s position can be optimised for comfort and results.
Corinna Dental and The SomnoDent Anti-Snoring Device
At Corinna Dental, a number of our dentists have taken the advanced training necessary to be a registered SomnoDent provider. We liaise closely with the Sleep and Respiratory Physicians to ensure the best treatment for our patients with OSA.
