Do you suspect sleep apnoea in yourself or a loved one? Your dentist in Mount Waverley, VIC may be able to help.
Sleep apnoea is a severe condition that causes you to stop breathing multiple times during sleep. If left untreated, it may lead to high blood pressure, sudden stroke, and even cardiac arrest.
We Encourage You Not to Ignore the Symptoms
The most common symptom associated with sleep apnoea is probably snoring. Of course, it isn’t possible to hear yourself snore if you are asleep, but you may recognize some of the other signs:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Elevated blood pressure
- Mood changes
- Restless sleep
- Dry throat
In some cases, sleep apnoea may be related to bruxism—grinding and clenching your teeth during sleep.
Signs of bruxism include:
- Ear, Jaw, and shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Fractured or worn-down teeth
Just as sleep apnoea can be linked to bruxism, bruxism can be linked to jaw joint dysfunction—TMD or TMJ. TMJ is a painful condition of the jaw joint that requires treatment.
Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Mount Waverley, VIC
The most common treatment for sleep apnoea is the CPAP machine. This machine delivers constant air into the nose through a mask. The continual flow forces the airway open during the night.
However, some people cannot acclimate to this machine and seek treatment with their dentist.
In our dental clinic, we offer custom mouthguards that help keep the airway open during sleep. We also provide treatment for bruxism and TMJ using similar oral appliances.
Some patients rely on their CPAP machine at home but use their mouthguard when travelling because it is easier to transport in luggage.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
To learn whether a custom mouthguard is right for you, we encourage you to contact a dental team member to arrange a consultation with your dentist.
