Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Sleep Apnea and Snoring in London, ON

Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders that affect breathing.

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may suffer from sleep apnea.

At Alba Dental Centre, our London, ON, dentists can provide you with treatment to alleviate your snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Discover how our effective treatment can help you find sleep relief.

What Causes Snoring?

Several factors can contribute to snoring. Typically, snoring occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax, narrowing the air passage. As a result, each breath becomes more difficult to push through, and the airflow causes the soft tissues to vibrate, producing a distinctive snoring sound.

In addition to these factors, other causes of snoring may include:

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can interrupt your breathing during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for brief periods, sometimes as many as 20 to 30 times per hour. When this happens, your brain receives a signal of a lack of oxygen and momentarily wakes you up to restart your breathing. Because these interruptions are so brief, many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it and may think they’re getting a good night’s sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep cycle prevents them from achieving deep sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness that can affect their quality of life.

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea:

Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Loud snoring at night
Waking up at night short of breath
Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
Headaches upon waking in the morning
Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

If you notice one or more of these, contact our London, ON, practice at (519) 777-2020 to schedule a consultation.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three categories of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — This is the most common sleep apnea that occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) — Although less common, it occurs when breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain.
Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea — This is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

The Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Anyone, regardless of gender or age, can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include:

Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumours.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you’re a frequent snorer, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) could be the solution you need for a better night’s sleep. This dental device is specially designed to gently hold your lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, creating more airway space. This helps you to breathe better and enjoy a full, quiet night’s sleep.

Some MADs also prevent the tongue from falling back over your windpipe. Your London, ON, dentist will fit the device to your specific needs and condition, ensuring a comfortable fit to help alleviate snoring and improve sleep quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Sleep apnea can have significant consequences if left untreated. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, leading to heart failure and stroke. Additionally, the constant fatigue caused by sleep apnea can affect your performance at work or school and put you in danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. If you suspect you may suffer from sleep apnea, seeking a diagnosis is crucial.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each case, and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioural — for instance, patients are instructed to:

Lose weight
Stop smoking
Sleep on their sides instead of on their backs

Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

What should I do if I suspect someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?

If you suspect a loved one has sleep apnea, the best thing to do is encourage them to schedule a consultation with a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem and can prescribe appropriate treatment.

Is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) comfortable?

Yes! A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is made to be comfortable so you can sleep without even noticing you’re wearing it. It doesn’t prevent you from breathing with your mouth open and will eliminate snoring for patients with sinus congestion or allergies. You may experience some slight stiffness in the jaw for the first few mornings after wearing the device. This feeling is temporary and will disappear after you wake up and remove the device.

Sleep Soundly Once Again

At Alba Dental Centre, we’re devoted to ensuring our patients get the care they deserve. Our dentists proudly serve Ontario patients in London and the surrounding areas like Strathroy, St. Thomas, and Ingersoll, ON.

To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, call our London office at (519) 777-2020 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. You can also request an appointment, and one of our team members will get back to you promptly.

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