Sleep Apnea

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea refers to a condition in which the throat muscles relax more than they should so that they obstruct the airway. This prevents air from moving as freely as it should and disrupts normal breathing. The condition encompasses shallow breathing as well as complete disruptions to breathing while asleep. These may last from a few seconds to more than a minute. Returning to regular breathing is often marked by loud snoring or snorting and choking sounds. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea represent a significant health concern to an estimated 22 million people with about 80% of cases going undiagnosed.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous condition. It puts the body under extreme stress to the point that excessive amounts of hormones are released. This is especially concerning when it happens while the body should be recovering stressed incurred during wakefulness. Unsurprisingly, OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, obesity, stroke, depression, diabetes, and glaucoma. In about 25% of cases, OSA also causes teeth grinding as a sleeping person clenches the jaw trying to keep the air passage open.

How is sleep apnea treated?

OSA patients may benefit from using an oral appliance as approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). A specially-fitted oral appliance such as a mouth guard is worn during sleep to keep the lower jaw in a position that keeps the airway open and prevents the tongue and throat muscles from blocking the upper airway.

The AASM recommends oral appliance therapy as the first line of treatment for patients with OSA. A night guard may even help patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP devices. Many patients prefer a mouth guard over bulky and noisy CPAP devices. They are also comfortable, portable, and less expensive than CPAP machines.

What does sleep apnea have to do with dentistry?

Approximately one of every four patients with OSA also has bruxism, or teeth grinding. Often a dentist is first to identify the signs of obstructive sleep apnea in patients because they also notice the effects of teeth grinding.

Our dentist is familiar with the signs and symptoms of bruxism and sleep apnea and can diagnose them. In many cases, treatment is simple and a welcome way to get you back to sleeping properly at night.

Think you may be a candidate for sleep apnea treatment? Please contact our office.