OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA (OSA) AND SNORING
Our dentists are trained to detect this serious health condition in both children and adults. We work in conjunction with your GP and Respiratory Sleep Physicians to manage the condition and relieve you of symptoms. An unobstructed airway and proper breathing has huge potential to increase your lifespan and improve your quality of life.
OSA and Snoring in Adults
Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) can negatively impact your general health, as well as irritate those sleeping beside you. Untreated OSA can cause increased tiredness, reduced concentration, increased irritability, increased blood pressure and has the potential to reduce your lifespan. Our dentists are trained to manage this serious health condition in adults. We work in conjunction with your GP and Respiratory Sleep Physicians to diagnoses the severity of your snoring or OSA and discuss your treatment options.
Treatment Alternatives
The most common treatment for this condition is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Although effective, this appliance can be intrusive and uncomfortable on the face. For this reason, Collaroy Dental provides an alternative solution for patients with mild and moderate cases of OSA. We provide a customised night guard called the SomnoDent that is much more discrete than the CPAP machine, which open up the airway and can reduce your snoring.
How SomnoDent appliances work:
OSA and Snoring in Children
What causes childhood OSA?
The most common cause of OSA in childhood is enlarged tonsils in the back of the throat, adenoids in the back of the nose, and turbinates in the nasal passage. Tonsils and adenoids grow most quickly between the ages of 2-7 years old. The management of excessively large tonsils and adenoids cures OSA in 80–90% of children. Other causes of OSA include:
- Long-term allergy or hay fever
- Certain medical conditions associated with weak muscles or low muscle tone, such as Down syndrome
- Very small jaws or flat faces in children
- Childhood obesity
Signs your child may have OSA or sleep disordered breathing:
- Snoring or loud breathing
- Breathes through their mouth instead of their nose during sleep
- Grinds teeth
- Bedwetting
- Restless sleep or frequent waking at night
- Wakes unrefreshed
- Complains of headaches
- Falls asleep or daydreams during the day
- Behavioural or learning concerns at school
- Hyperactivity or ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Has a blocked nose, poor appetite and/or problems swallowing
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