What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a pervasive sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition greatly affects sleep quality and can cause serious complications over time, if left untreated.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The causes of sleep apnea are multifaceted and can vary significantly between individuals.
There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form, occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep.
In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, factors such as obesity, genetic predisposition, nasal congestion, and certain physical characteristics like a narrow airway can contribute to the development of the condition. Lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol use, can also exacerbate the risk of developing sleep apnea.
From a dental perspective, anatomical features such as the position of the jaw, the size of the tonsils, or even the tongue can be important contributors. Therefore, a dentist can play a pivotal role in identifying the early signs of obstructive sleep apnea due to their expertise in oral anatomy. Regular dental check-ups can be a frontline defence in spotting and addressing this sleep disorder, underscoring how interconnected our oral health is with our overall health profile.
Symptoms and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
These symptoms often necessitate a thorough examination and a multi-faceted treatment approach, highlighting the complexity of sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep (witnessed by another person)
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
- Morning headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Mood changes
There are several ways in which dentistry can help, especially for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea:
Screening and Early Detection
Dentists are often in a good position to screen for signs of sleep apnea during regular dental check-ups due to their frequent contact with patients. They can look for risk factors such as bruxism (teeth grinding), a large neck circumference, and anatomical features like a recessed chin or large overbite that may contribute to OSA.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These are the most commonly used dental devices for sleep apnea. They resemble sports mouth guards and function by advancing the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward. This forward movement keeps the airway open by pulling the tongue forward and stabilising the lower jaw and soft palate, thus reducing airway obstruction.
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs): These work by holding the tongue in a forward position during sleep, preventing it from falling back into the throat and blocking the airway.
These devices are custom-fitted by dentists specialising in sleep apnea, ensuring they are comfortable and effective for the individual patient.
Referral to Specialists
If a dentist suspects a patient has severe sleep apnea, they can refer them to a sleep specialist for further diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment can prevent the numerous health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea treatments by dentists offer a non-invasive, reversible, and often more comfortable alternative to other forms of therapy like CPAP machines. However, the effectiveness can vary based on the severity of the apnea and individual patient characteristics. Consult with your First Impressions Dental dentist to choose the most appropriate treatment.