Silent night: how your Christchurch dentist can help with snoring

How many times a night do you get a nudge or a poke in the ribs from your partner? If you are a habitual snorer, you will be all too familiar with this form of a rude awakening, but you are not alone. Snoring is a common problem, 40% of the New Zealand population suffer from sleep disordered breathing. But while some of us think of it as merely an embarrassment and annoyance, for others, however, snoring can cause problems (the strain on relationships cannot be underestimated) or indicate an underlying health issue such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

If you or a loved one experience frequent snoring, disrupted sleep, or daytime fatigue and irritability, it could be time to seek professional help. At our Christchurch dental clinic, we offer effective non-invasive solutions for snoring and sleep apnoea so you can both get quieter, more restful nights.

What causes snoring?

Snoring is the sound that results from air passing through your airway when it is partially blocked. Throat tissues at the top of your airway touch and vibrate, making you snore. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

Anatomy: the structure of the soft palate plays a crucial role in how you breathe; a thick or low soft palate can constrict airflow. Additionally, an elongated uvula (the dangly bit between your tonsils) may further impede breathing. In overweight individuals, excess throat tissue can significantly narrow the airway, leading to potential respiratory issues and sleep disturbances.

Sleep position: your sleep position significantly impacts airway health. Sleeping on your back can restrict the airway, potentially leading to breathing difficulties. In contrast, sleeping on your side is known to promote easier airflow, which may help reduce the risk of sleep-related breathing issues.

Lifestyle and habits: various habits influence your breathing and sleep quality. Drinking alcohol before bed relaxes the throat muscles, which contributes to snoring and exacerbates sleep issues. Smoking also poses risks by suppressing breathing and relaxing vital airway muscles, further complicating sleep and increasing the likelihood of respiratory disturbances during the night.



From snoring to sleep apnoea: understanding the progression

While occasional snoring is harmless, chronic snoring may indicate sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. Left untreated, sleep apnoea has the potential to progress to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and chronic fatigue.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea manifests in several different ways, and the symptoms are not always obvious:

• Loud, persistent snoring

• Gasping or choking during sleep

• Morning headaches

• Difficulty concentrating during the day

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

If you relate to any of these symptoms or recognise them in your partner, a visit to a dentist in Christchurch could be the first step toward a healthier, quieter night’s sleep.

The link between snoring and dental health

You may be wondering why dentists are concerned about snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring doesn’t just impact sleep quality; it also has significant side effects on dental health, which dentists are uniquely positioned to help address. For instance, dry mouth, often caused by mouth breathing during snoring, can lead to several issues, including:

• Increased risk of cavities and gum disease

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Jaw pain and tension from unconscious teeth grinding

Moreover, snoring can disrupt the alignment of your jaw and teeth over time. Misalignment, also known as malocclusion, can make it harder to chew food properly or speak clearly, lead to gum recession and tooth wear, and cause muscle strain in the neck and head, which may result in frequent headaches and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or upper back.

By addressing snoring early, you’re not only improving your sleep but also proactively protecting your overall long-term dental health. A visit to your dentist can provide solutions that enhance your well-being and preserve your oral health.

How your dentist can help with snoring

Many people don’t realise that Duxton Dental, your local Riccarton dentist, can play a key role in treating snoring and sleep apnoea. When you come for a snoring consultation, we’ll discuss your symptoms, sleep patterns, and any concerns you may have. If necessary, we’ll take digital impressions to create a custom oral appliance.

Based on the consultation, we'll develop a personalised dental treatment plan. If needed, we may refer you to a sleep clinic for a comprehensive sleep study to gain a deeper understanding of your condition.

Dental treatment options include, but are not limited to:

1. Custom dental sleep appliances

Our Riccarton dentists in Christchurch provide custom dental sleep appliances (also known as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), which gently reposition the lower jaw forward, preventing airway obstruction. These devices:

• Reduce snoring by keeping the airway open

• Improve oxygen flow during sleep

• Are durable, comfortable and easy to wear

• Offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery

Unlike over-the-counter snoring aids, custom oral appliances are tailored to fit your mouth precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.

2. Identifying underlying dental issues

During your consultation, our dentist conducts a thorough examination of your mouth and throat. Common dental issues, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), misaligned jaws, or excessive soft tissue in the throat, can all contribute to snoring. If necessary, orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign in Christchurch, maybe recommended to correct bite alignment and improve airflow.

3. Lifestyle and preventative advice

In addition to providing oral appliances, our team of Christchurch dentists offer advice on lifestyle changes that may help reduce snoring. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce airway obstruction.

• Stopping smoking for oral and dental health.

• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.

• Sleeping on your side rather than your back.



• Practicing good sleep hygiene.

Why Choose Duxton Dental in Christchurch to help you stop snoring?

At Duxton Dental our goal is to help you achieve better sleep, improved health, and a higher quality of life. At our Riccarton dental clinic, our team provide tailored quality dental care, offering a range of services to improve both oral health and sleep quality. Whether you need orthodontic braces, cosmetic dentistry in Christchurch, or referral to a sleep physician, our experienced team is here to help.

Don’t let snoring disrupt your life any longer, book your consultation today and take the first step towards better sleep and a healthier life. Call 03 348 5488 to make your appointment.