Snoring in Bristol

Snoring a problem? Somnowell can help.

Snoring may cause amusement when used in comedy routines but, for those who suffer from it and also their partners, snoring is no fun at all and can even be harmful to health in some cases.

Whilst those who snore are usually unaware whilst they are doing it, the same cannot be said for their partners. Whilst the occasional bout of snoring may be tolerable, regular snoring is likely to affect sleep patterns and, over a period of time, can be detrimental to health and, even more so, to the relationship itself. Of course, some relief can be gained by sleeping in another room; but of course this doesn't address the root cause of the problem.

What is snoring?

Snoring is caused by the soft tissues behind the tongue and in the throat vibrating and it is believed that approximately one third of all adults snore to some degree. This can often cause a disturbed type of sleep pattern which may result in stress, tiredness, irritability and a general lack of concentration. If left untreated, it can, over a long period of time, also lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure and other related heart problems.

Because snoring is done through the mouth, often it means that the person will suffer from a dry mouth. This in itself is a significant factor in increasing the risk of gum disease as it provides a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria which cause it.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The tissue vibrations associated with snoring can in some cases, particularly where a person is overweight or very unfit, cause intermittent blocking of the airways. This naturally deprives the body of oxygen for short periods of time and can, if left untreated, lead to an increased risk of strokes and other heart diseases.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, to give it its medical term, is similar to snoring in that it leads to a disturbed sleep pattern.

Whilst most of us probably grind our teeth from time to time during sleep, for those that do it over a long period of time, a significant amount of damage can be caused. The most obvious problem is that it wears down the teeth, thinning the enamel and thereby increasing the risk of dental decay. In severe cases, it may also lead to the breaking of teeth.

Somnowell

Whilst we may not be able to control our snoring through willpower alone, thankfully there are also medical solutions to the problem to help us. The one we recommend and supply at our Bristol dental practice is called 'Somnowell'. This device is designed to allow the tongue and lower jaw to be held in their 'recovery position' whilst the person sleeps. By holding the tongue and lower jaw in these positions, the airflow is kept regular and prevents the vibrating of the soft tissue that causes snoring.

Over 15 years of research and development have gone into the production of Somnowell, and, although very few people in the UK are qualified to fit this device; we are delighted to advise that our resident dentist, Dr Nicola White is able to do so.

If you, or your partner are based in Bristol and suffer from snoring, sleep apnea or grinding of the teeth, why not call us on 0117 330 3495 to see how we can help you?