Did you know that upto 70% of snorers have a serious medical condition called obstructive sleep apnoea? This occurs when the soft tissues of the throat and tongue collapse, blocking or reducing airflow to the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway closes.
Eventually the brain triggers an ‘arousal’ as it tries to wake the sleeper, allowing the person to reposition their jaw and tongue to open the airway and allow some breathing to occur – this usually occurs with a gasp or a snort. The sleeper will then usually start the whole process over again. This can happen hundreds of times per night!
Previously only CPAP machines were a treatment option, but now oral appliances can be effective in many cases. We work alongside medical practioners to provide proven treatments that are comfortable and work! Call us today to find out more.
Dr. Jeevan Sivalingam has a special interest in dental sleep medicine. He is currently completing his postgraduate studies at the University of Western Australia, has completed a mini-residency with EODO and has undergone training at the Dental Sleep Institute. He visits all clinics in the My Dentist Network group, but predominantly works at Lynbrook Dental Care.