Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

If the nights are filled with snoring and exhaustion, you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Continuous and loud snoring, frequent breaks in breathing, and exhaustion during the day are all signs that can indicate a diagnosis of obstructive Sleep Apnoea syndrome.

Do not let this type of disorder affect you any longer; Meet Acacia sleep apnoea dentist and discover a way to overcome and get your sleep back today!

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea​?

OSA is characterised by recurrent episodes of shallow breathing or pauses in breathing that last at least 10 seconds and can occur dozens of times per hour. Obstructive sleep apnoea causes sleep deprivation, disruptive snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness.

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What Causes OSA?​

The most common cause of OSA is the narrowing or partial blockage of the airway due to changes in the structure of the windpipe or throat muscles.
This can be caused by genetic and physical factors, including

Extra fat tissue in the neck squeezes the airway, reducing

Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat can cause the airway to collapse during sleep.

A neck circumference of more than 16 inches in men or 15 inches in women increases the risk for OSA.

Having a family member with OSA may be linked to an increased risk for OSA.

Drinking too much alcohol can make the throat muscles relax more than average during sleep, causing them to block the airway.

Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, narrowing it and increasing the risk for OSA.

Swelling and blockages of the nasal passages can make breathing harder through the nose, forcing people to breathe through the mouth and causing the throat to collapse.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea in Darwin

Various tests are conducted to assess the patient’s obstructive sleep apnea signs and symptoms, such as a physical exam, a medical history, overnight sleep studies, and laboratory tests. Early diagnosis is vital to minimise the risk of complications from OSA and other sleep disorders.

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osa syndrome

The Difference Between Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

CSA is caused when the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can cause breaths to start and stop during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. On the other hand, OSA is caused by physical blockages to the airways, which prevent air from entering the lungs.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Signs​

People suffering from OSA may have signs that may include night sweats, waking up with a sore throat or difficulty swallowing during sleep. If you experience these signs, talk to your doctor, as you may suffer from chronic obstructive sleep apnoea.

People may feel excessively sleepy during the day, despite getting enough sleep at night.

Headaches that wake someone up or occur in the early hours of the day are common signs of sleep apnea.

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People may find concentrating and remembering things challenging due to their lack of quality sleep.

If someone is gasping for air or choking at night, it is a sign that blocked airways disrupt their breathing.

Loud snoring is one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

People may wake up multiple times during the night, feeling tired and unrefreshed in the morning

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How Can Dentists Help You with Sleep Apnoea?

A Sleep Apnea dentist can play a vital role in helping people with this disorder. Through the use of oral appliances such as 3D Sleep Advance, they can help to reduce Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) symptoms.

These customised oral appliances help to open the airway and reduce snoring and apnoea episodes. They may also advise lifestyle changes and medical therapies, such as oropharyngeal muscle exercises for obstructive sleep apnoea, depending on the severity of the issue.

Treatment for OSA typically begins with lifestyle modifications such as reducing alcohol consumption and smoking cessation. These modifications alone may not provide adequate relief, and additional interventions may be necessary, such as Continuous Open Airway Therapy (COAT) or surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea to remove excess tissue from the airway.

Note!

Surgery should always be a last resort option and is best discussed with your physician.

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osa

Possible Risk Factors for Sleep Apnoea

It is estimated that up to 2 million adults in Australia are affected by OSA, with various risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disorder, including:

  • Diabetes 
  • Age over 40 
  • Gender 
  • Family History 
  • Weight 

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Driving

Drivers should be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with this condition, as sleep apnea can significantly impair alertness and reaction time while driving.

Sleep Apnoea and Driving

Use You Insurances in Acacia Dental

As a dental clinic, we want to inform you that some private health funds have developed their own network of Preferred Providers or Members Providers or Members Choice Providers, which include BUPA (MBF & HBA are now part of this group) and Medibank Private.

Acacia Dental Clinic has been chosen as a preferred provider by many of Australia’s health funds, meaning you can enjoy maximum savings on your dental treatments.

We Are Preferred Providers For​​

*By utilizing the health funds mentioned above, you are able to immediately access your rebate after receiving treatment, while you can also benefit from up to two free treatments per year (look up your health fund website to see what these treatments are).

Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Darwin

If you live in Darwin, Coolalinga, Palmerston, Humpty Doo, or Howard Springs and are experiencing symptoms of OSA, Do not hesitate and consult with our dentist in Acacia Dental Care Now.

Meet the Acacia sleep apnoea dentist and Get the restful night’s sleep you need!

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FAQ

It is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing while asleep, resulting in decreased oxygen levels. Physical blockages of the airway cause it, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.

You may have obstructive sleep apnea if you have symptoms such as loud snoring, interrupted breathing while sleeping, and daytime fatigue. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis to confirm the condition.

Unfortunately, OSA cannot be cured but can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and devices such as CPAP machines.