How to Stop Snoring and Start Sleeping—With Help from Your Dentist.

Do you or your partner struggle with sleepless nights due to constant snoring? What many people don’t realise is that dentists play a vital role in addressing sleep-related breathing issues, including snoring and sleep apnoea. If restless nights have become a frustrating routine, exploring dental solutions could be a game-changer.

What Causes Snoring and Sleep Apnoea?

Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. While occasional snoring may seem harmless, persistent snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a more serious condition.

Sleep apnoea involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented rest and potential health complications, including high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and increased risks for heart disease.

The Role of Your Dentist in Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Many people assume that treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea revolves solely around bulky CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines. While CPAP remains the gold standard for managing OSA, it’s not the only solution—especially for those seeking a more comfortable or portable option.

Dentists trained in sleep medicine can provide custom oral appliances, commonly known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or sleep apnoea mouthguards. These devices reposition your jaw to help keep your airway open during sleep, reducing both snoring and sleep apnoea symptoms.

How Mandibular Advancement Devices Work

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) gently shifts the lower jaw forward, preventing the collapse of airway tissues that cause snoring and breathing interruptions. These custom-fitted devices offer multiple benefits:

· Comfort: Tailored to fit your mouth precisely for maximum comfort.

· Portability: Lightweight and easy to travel with.

· Non-Invasive: No need for surgery or complex procedures.

Benefits of a Mandibular Advancement Device

1. Improved Sleep Quality: Keep your airway open for deeper, more restorative sleep.

2. Reduced Health Risks: Alleviating sleep apnoea symptoms can lower your risk for serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

3. Enhanced Daytime Energy: You will find you have less morning grogginess and chronic fatigue.

4. Quieter Nights: Enjoy reduced snoring, giving both you and your partner better rest.

If snoring or sleep apnoea has disrupted your nights for too long, consulting a dentist trained in sleep medicine could be the first step toward better rest and improved health. A custom-fitted mandibular advancement device offers a practical, comfortable solution for many people seeking an alternative to CPAP therapy. Please note that at the London Dental Sleep Clinic, all patients require a full dental sleep assessment to determine suitability before we can make a mandibular advancement device.