Snoring Scots and their sleep-deprived partners offered new treatment from dentists
Scotland's chronic snorers could soon get respite from an unlikely source - a trip to the dentist's.
A new scheme launched this month is allowing selected dental practices to treat noisy sleepers.
They will be able to prescribe special retainers for chronic snorers who are currently having to wait up to 18 months for hospital treatment on the NHS.
Edinburgh dentist Odhran McNichol, of Craigentinny Dental Care, told how his practice is using 3D printing to mould the retainers - called Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs).
He said: "We've seen a steady stream of interest. More often than not, it's the sufferer's partner who brings it up, as they're the ones losing sleep and pushing for a solution.
'Generally people are unaware their dentist can help so most don't think to ask their dentist about sleep problems, it's just not something that crosses their mind.
'There is a lot of information on the internet about treatments for snoring and sleep apnoea, but not all of it is accurate.'
More than quarter of Scottish adults are snorers. And around two in three snore so loudly their partner moves to a different bed - known as a "sleep divorce."
Participating dentists will be able to prescribe NHS-approved MADs thanks to a training programme run by 32Co.
MADs are like a retainer which can be fitted over two sessions, with the user then able to adjust their device manually to suit their mouth.
They improve night-time breathing by making your lower jaw move forward slightly, opening your airway while you sleep and reducing noisy snoring.
MADs are less bulky and cumbersome than the traditional CPAP breathing masks often prescribed for chronic snorers.
McNichol added: 'Of course CPAP devices are gold standard for sleep apnoea, and we would not encourage patients to stop using these.
'But MADs can have a place for heavy snorers who don't necessarily have sleep apnoea as well as patients that struggle with wearing a CPAP or are travelling.'
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Outside of the new dentistry scheme, there are only ten 'sleep clinics' in Scotland - three of them in Glasgow - which can treat snoring and sleep-related conditions.
Sleep apnoea can lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Professor Ama Johal, 32Co Clinical Lead and former Vice-President of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, said: 'Problematic snoring continues to plague millions of people across the UK.
'32Co's Aerox Sleep Centres will deliver industry-backed treatment at the convenience of local practices, marking a significant change in the way millions of patients can receive treatment.'
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