Want to learn more about
our approach?
Check out the links below:

The Humber Valley
Continuous Prevention Program

Restorative Dentistry: Identifying
and fixing any oral health problems

Cosmetic Dentistry: Get the smile
you’ve always hoped for

Relief for snoring problems/sleep
apnea

Some special steps we take

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can respond very effectively to some of these treatments, or a combination of these treatments. Because obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, please consult your doctor if you think you may have it.

Behavioural Treatments:
As with so many medical conditions, often the best way to deal with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea is to address the underlying factors that are causing or contributing to it in the first place. In many cases, individuals can get considerable relief just by making changes to their behaviour and lifestyle. Quite simply, a healthier lifestyle may reduce or eliminate problems with snoring and sleep apnea. Steps to take include the following:

Weight loss – Excessive weight is a contributor to obstruction of the airway. As the neck increases in size, the airway is compressed within. Reducing weight can reduce airway obstruction.

Avoid heavy evening meals - Try eating a larger lunch and a lighter dinner. It may reduce snoring.

Avoid alcohol, especially in the evening – Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It reduces muscle tone, increasing the likelihood of a partial or complete obstruction of the airway

Eliminate or reduce use of sleeping pills and other medications that cause drowsiness. Many medications act as a central nervous system depressant, reducing muscle tone and increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction. Of course, never reduce use of prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

Stop smoking – A number of studies have linked smoking to snoring, possibly because smoking can cause inflammation of the throat.

Sleep on your side – Anyone who has lived with a snorer knows that is harder to snore when on you side. From the old trick of sewing a tennis ball into the back of the pyjamas to special designed pillows, there are a range of ways to help someone sleep on their side.

Consistent sleep hours – Irregular sleep hours can disturb sleep cycles, contributing to increased snoring or sleep apnea. Having a regular bedtime, that allows enough sleep time to get fully rested, may reduce the incidence of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.

Physical Treatments:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – This is the preferred treatment for most patients with severe sleep apnea. The patient wears a mask over their nose, which is attached to a CPAP machine that blows air through the nasal passages. The amount of air is adjusted so that it is sufficient to keep the airway open. CPAP machines are a very effective way of treating obstructive sleep apnea, but they must be used all the time while sleeping to be effective.

Unfortunately, many people find the mask cumbersome and stop using it some or all of the time.

Surgery – In some cases surgery can be used to treat snoring and sleep apnea. There are a range of surgical procedures that can be used to treat different physical conditions that are causing or contributing to snoring or apnea. Depending upon the situation, surgery may be quite effective. However it is not always effective. The invasive, non- reversible nature of this treatment, side effects and recovery times can be a concern.

Dental Appliances – There are a range of dental appliances. Most are designed to reposition the lower jaw forward in a manner that helps reduce obstruction of the airway. Clinical research has shown them to be an effective treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Because they are easily portable and more comfortable than CPAP machines, they often result in higher compliance rates. However, they are not appropriate in all cases. A dentist, specifically trained in the use of dental appliances, needs to assess factors such as the health of the candidate’s jaw joint (TMJ), the number and health of teeth in the mouth and other periodontal considerations.