If you feel sleepy during the day and wake up with teeth indentations on your tongue, you may have obstructive sleep apnoea. This is a serious condition in which breathing pauses hundreds of times during the night – putting you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
A number of structural abnormalities can cause this serious sleep disorder. Large tonsils and an over-sized tongue are among the most common causes. The latter is easy to spot if you’re left with teeth marks in the morning.
– Your dentist may be able to help you find the source of sleep apnoea more effectively than your GP.
– The most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea are obesity and structural problems with the tonsils and tongue.
– If your dentist determines you are at risk for sleep apnoea, it’s important to follow up with a specialist.
“Dentists see into their patient’s mouths more than physicians do and the signs are easy to identify.”
Read more here:
Trouble sleeping? The size of your tongue and tonsils could be why
Dr. Colin Conway BDS BSc South AfricaWith more than 20 years experience in dental practice, Colin has never been more excited and passionate about his dentistry!
Colin grew up in South Africa, and completed studies toward research science and dentistry degrees in South Africa. He moved from Cape Town to the UK in April 2002, and has worked in some of the UK’s leading dental practices - gaining the experience and confidence to offer a wide range of dental services.
Says Colin: "I often joke that I moved to the UK for the weather! But actually I moved because the UK offers world-class opportunities for dentists to expand their knowledge and skillset, a fact which I have embraced. I am equally comfortable doing a dental check-up and cleaning, placing a dental implant or fitting braces to straighten teeth."
Colin lives in Windsor with his partner and two dogs, enjoying the city/country balance offered by its close proximity to London. On weekends, you’re likely to find him cycling along the river or in some of the great parks surrounding the town.
Dr. Bruce Mutch BDS South Africa Bruce has been in General Dental Practice for 30 years. Says Bruce: "I have always concentrated on Dental Health, getting patients healthy and showing them how it is possible to keep their own teeth for life.” Bruce has a special interest in Cosmetic Dentistry and Children’s Orthodontics. When he's not doing dentistry, you will find Bruce on the tennis court or walking his dog. "Animals have always been a big part of my life, and in my younger days I used to show jump competitively".
