Sleep apnoea – difficulty breathing while asleep – has been linked to memory problems, tiredness, depression, high blood pressure and strain on the heart.
Snoring is an underestimated problem and many people aren’t even aware they suffer from it. Recent studies show the there is a direct relationship between teeth grinding(bruxism) and sleep apnoea, so as dentists we are the first port of call for detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Snoring is caused when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse, partially blocking the airway and causing the vibrations and noises that you experience during sleep. If these soft tissues at the back of the throat completely block the airway during sleep this is called obstructive sleep apnoea; a serious disease that causes a cycle of cessation of breathing and subsequent awakening during sleep.
Sleep apnoea has been linked to an increased chance of a range of serious health risks, including:
Workplace and Driving accidents
At The Essex Smile Centre we are leading UK clinicians for SomnoMed anti-snoring devices that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
If you want to find out more about the different dental solutions available, or book a consultation, please get in touch.