National Stop Snoring Week: How Can Dentists Help Patients Improve Their Sleep?

Snoring is often dismissed as little more than a bedtime nuisance, but the reality is far more serious. Around 45% of UK adults are estimated to suffer from snoring, with many unaware of the potential impact it could be having on their health—and their relationships.

Today marks the start of National Stop Snoring Week (21st-27th April). For dentists, this is an opportunity to raise awareness and take an active role in helping patients improve their sleep and overall health.

With the right training and support, dentists can offer patients snoring solutions that truly make a difference in their sleep and overall health.

Causes of Snoring

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed, leading to vibrations in the soft tissues of the throat, which creates the characteristic sound.

The primary cause of snoring is the narrowing of the airway, often due to the relaxation of muscles in the throat during sleep.

Several other factors contribute to this airway obstruction, including:

• The tongue falling back towards the throat
• Blockages in the nasal passages
• Excess fatty tissue around the neck
• Weakened muscles in the throat due to aging
• Alcohol and sedatives

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

While snoring can be relatively harmless in some cases, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) may occur, which is a more severe form of sleep-disordered breathing.

OSA happens when the airway becomes completely obstructed for short periods during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and reduced oxygen levels. These interruptions can occur hundreds of times a night, significantly impacting a person's health and well-being.

An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are currently living with OSA, and 85% of these remain undiagnosed. It’s a condition with wide-reaching health implications, from increased blood pressure and daytime drowsiness to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

The Role of Dentists in Treating Snoring

As a dentist, you're ideally positioned to identify the signs and offer practical treatment, especially since many of the symptoms stem from the anatomy of the mouth and airway.

Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) are an effective treatment that you can offer to your patients to help minimise or eliminate their snoring. These custom-made devices are designed to help keep the airway open by gently advancing the mandible during sleep.

By repositioning the mandible, the MAS prevents the collapse of the soft tissues in the throat that cause snoring and can also help treat OSA in patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

MAS vs CPAP

Until the introduction of MAS as a viable treatment option, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy was the primary solution for individuals with OSA.

While CPAP remains the 'gold standard' for severe OSA cases, it is not without limitations. Many patients experience difficulty with CPAP due to discomfort, noise, or the bulky nature of the equipment. As a result, 20-50% of patients discontinue CPAP use within the first year.

In contrast, Mandibular Advancement Splints offer a more comfortable, non-invasive alternative. A recent study showed a 96% compliance rate with MAS therapy, which is significantly higher than CPAP compliance.

This makes MAS a preferred treatment for patients with mild to moderate OSA, as well as those who simply want to address snoring without the inconvenience of CPAP.

The Sleepwell: A Proven Solution

At S4S Dental Laboratory, we are proud to offer the Sleepwell, our key product for the treatment of snoring and mild to moderate OSA.

A two-piece device, the Sleepwell is designed for optimal effectiveness and comfort. It offers several design benefits:

• Allows the lips to close around the device, ensuring a more natural and comfortable fit.
• Provides full lateral movement, significantly reducing the likelihood of dislocation during sleep.
• The patient can adjust the device up to 9mm to ensure the mandible is positioned for maximum therapeutic effect.
• Soft inner lining enhances comfort, making the device suitable for extended wear.

• May help mitigate potential TMJ stress, making it a more comfortable choice for patients. 

To manufacture the Sleepwell, all we require are upper and lower impressions. In most cases, a bite is not needed, making the process even simpler for both the dentist and the patient.

Looking For a Snoring Training Course?

To mark National Stop Snoring Week, we’re offering an exclusive £100 discount on our upcoming Snoring & OSA seminar with Professor Ama Johal (Friday 20th June).

New for 2025, this seminar now includes exclusive access to our Sheffield laboratory. Alongside in-depth training with Professor Johal, you’ll go behind the scenes to see how our snoring appliances are expertly crafted and meet the lab team.

Can't make the date? No problem! We also have an instant-access online option!

Book now using code NSSW100 and you'll soon be on your way to providing life-changing snoring treatment to your patients!

Ready to Improve Your Patients' Sleep Quality?

To learn more about how the Sleepwell can help treat snoring and mild to moderate OSA, request your free info pack today.

Additionally, we offer a range of free marketing materials to support you in promoting this treatment in your practice, including posters, leaflets, and more.

Don't wait to make a difference to your patients' sleep!