What is dental sleep medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring, grinding and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Dr Mary Phan and Dr Yasin Hasan work together with Dr Derek Mahony and medical professionals and sleep physicians to identify the best treatment for each patient.
Your Health and Quality of Life
The quality of your sleep has a dramatic impact on your health, well-being and overall quality of life. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea disrupt your sleep and increase your risk of severe health problems. Albeit common, no degree of snoring is healthy and should never be ignored.
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea(OSA) experience repetitive episodes of partial or complete occlusion of the upper-airway during sleep. This is caused by abnormal relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep. OSA sufferers usually snore and may wake up gasping or choking. OSA is a common cause of excessive daytime tiredness, fatigue and poor concentration.
Around 9% of women and 25% of men in Australia have clinically significant OSA. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in Australia is probably increasing due to the 'obesity epidemic'. Despite this, a large proportion of Australians with OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Signs and Symptoms
- Snoring
- Episodes of gasping, snorting or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue or lethargy
- Lack of energy and endurance
- Falling asleep or needing to have a nap during the day
- Disturbed or restless sleep (OSA sometimes causes insomnia)
- Poor memory and concentration
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Irritability, depression, anxiety, mood and behaviour changes (including ADHD in children)
- Increased frequency of urination during the night
- Rapid weight gain or difficulty in losing weight
OSA has detrimental effects on sleep-quality and health, and increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, type-2 diabetes, depression, impotence, mood disorders, and motor vehicle and industrial accidents.
If you suspect that you have OSA or have symptoms of OSA, please give us a call to organise a consultation with Dr Mary / Dr Derek Mahony so that you can be investigated for OSA and other airway problems.
More information on sleep study
More information on snoring and sleep apnoea
To find out more visit:https://dentalsleep.org/howitworks/
Treatment of Sleep Apnoea
CPAP
The most common treatment for sleep apnoea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The CPAP machine keeps your airway open by providing forced air through flexible tubing. CPAP therapy requires you to wear a mask as you sleep. Although CPAP therapy is effective, some people are unable to adhere to it. In some severe cases of sleep apnoea, upper airway surgery may be another treatment option.
Oral appliances
Dentists pioneered the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea, snoring and grinding in adults. A custom-fit oral sleep appliance is an effective treatment that prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position.
Airway problems in children
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a medical condition in which children have difficulty breathing when they are asleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea is common and affects between 1 and 3% of children. The peak age-group is the pre-school years. Problems that OSA can cause include impacts on daytime learning, behaviour, and cardiovascular health. Dr Mahony has successfully diagnosed and treated many young patients with sleep apnoea and other airway problems.
