Snoring
During sleep, the muscles of the upper airway relax and the tongue falls back, narrowing the upper airway. When breathing in, the soft tissues of the mouth and throat can vibrate, which causes snoring sounds.
What is a breathing pause?
Severe narrowing of the upper airway can cause temporary pauses in breathing. If these pauses last 10 seconds or longer, we call them apnoeas (obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, OSAS).
Frequent breathing pauses can lead to:
- Disturbed sleep.
- Tiredness and sleepiness during the day.
- Effects on blood pressure.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Causes of snoring and sleep apnoea
Snoring and sleep apnoea mainly occur in people who are overweight, have a particular facial anatomy or have limited airflow through the nose and throat (for example due to enlarged tonsils). Smoking, colds, alcohol, sleeping pills and sleeping on your back make the problems worse. The condition is also more common in middle age and more common in men than in women.
How much does this treatment cost?
Diagnosing snoring and sleep apnoea
Various (medical and dental) specialists are involved in investigating snoring and sleep apnoea and their causes. The ENT specialist examines the area between the nasal cavity and the vocal cords for narrowing using a flexible tube (endoscopy) with a small camera attached.
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The sleep study
With a sleep study or sleep recording (polysomnography), the specialist can diagnose sleep apnoea. Special equipment records breathing patterns, brain activity, heart rhythm, muscle tension and blood oxygen levels during sleep. Sometimes the snoring sounds are also recorded. The sleep study takes place at home, in hospital or in specialised clinics (sleep centres). There are also simple screening devices for home use.
We examine the condition of your teeth and surrounding tissues, how your molars meet and any jaw complaints that may affect a possible dental treatment of snoring and sleep apnoea. Based on this, we assess whether you are eligible for treatment with an anti-snoring device.
Treatment of snoring and sleep apnoea
If there is a clear restriction of airflow through the nose and throat, surgery by the ENT specialist may be considered. For severe sleep apnoea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is usually used. You then sleep with a mask through which a device blows air into your nose via a tube, so that the upper airway is less likely to collapse. A disadvantage of this treatment is that the CPAP device is not very comfortable to use.
Another dental treatment, which patients often tolerate better, is an anti-snoring device. The most effective one is the so-called Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). This removable device holds the lower jaw forward at night, keeping the throat open and the airway clear. This reduces snoring and apnoea. Anti-snoring devices are mostly used for mild to severe snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea.
Preventing snoring and sleep apnoea
There is often something you can do yourself about snoring and sleep apnoea, such as:
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01
Losing weight
Being overweight can narrow the airways, which can make breathing more difficult.
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02
Stopping smoking
Smoking irritates the throat, causing it to swell. Your nose can also become blocked more quickly.
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03
Drinking less or no alcohol
Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles and tongue too much, causing them to fall back and restrict your breathing.
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04
Not using sleeping pills
The same as with alcohol: the throat muscles relax too much.
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05
Avoiding sleeping on your back
For example, sew a tennis ball into your pyjamas at shoulder-blade height, so that you roll back onto your side.
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06
Use a good pillow
Because sleeping on your side is recommended, it is better to choose a higher pillow. With a relaxed neck and shoulders, you breathe more easily.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?
You stop breathing during sleep and may wake up startled more often or feel as if you are choking. However, some people do not notice anything and sleep through it.
Is sleep apnoea dangerous?
If sleep apnoea is not treated, there is a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or even a stroke. The risks are often underestimated, so treatment is strongly recommended.
At what age does sleep apnoea develop?
On average, it is most common in men over 50 who are overweight. But it can also occur in younger people (even babies) and women. Sleep apnoea can also be hereditary.
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
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Emergencies
Do you urgently need a dentist in Rotterdam? Call us directly on the emergency number below and we will help you the same day with acute complaints and emergencies. 010 200 4815
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Open now · today until 17:00