Sleep Apnoea: Are You at Risk?

Sleep apnoea is the new “big thing” in medicine. Everywhere you look someone we know is being diagnosed with it. It has been blamed for traffic and shipping accidents, marriage break-ups and lots more.

So what do we know about it?
We know that snoring and sleep apnea are not necessarily coincidental. We know that the people who are at risk include those with:
• a BMI over 35
• a history of congestive cardiac failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• High blood pressure that is not responsive to medication
• Type 2 diabetes
• Nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias
• A history of stroke
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Polycystic Ovary syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• A retruded jaw
• Craniofacial syndromes associated with a retruded jaw or large tongue, E.g. Down syndrome, Apert syndrome
• A family history of obstructive apnoea

At McCloy Dental we have the experience to understand how all of these factors work together to affect the treatment that you should receive, and what will work for you. A mandibular advancement device is a first line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, and in severe apnoea if you are not able to tolerate CPAP, or need it for times when CPAP is not appropriate or possible, such as camping trips. A mandibular advancement device is smaller and for most more easily worn and tolerated. See us at McCloy Dental to be assessed for something that may be life-changing.