Author: Carenetic Digital

It may be surprising to some, but did you know your dentist can actually help with sleep apnea? The dentist is able to prescribe and fit you for a special oral appliance that can assist with proper airflow throughout the night. Here is what you should know about these devices.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds in your sleep on a regular basis. The severity of sleep apnea depends on how often you stop breathing in the duration of an hour. Snoring can be a sign of partial sleep apnea; so are gasps and chokes when breathing is resumed. The cessation of breath is due to the muscles in the throat and mouth relaxing to the point where they restrict the airway. Along with constant fatigue from a lack of proper sleep, sleep apnea can lead to long-term complications such as cardiac issues and strokes.

The oral appliances

The purpose of oral appliances is to help prevent sleep apnea through placement in the mouth. Thanks to mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining mouthpieces, oral appliances are a step down from having to use advanced equipment to treat sleep apnea.

Mandibular advancement device

Similar to orthodontic retainers, the mandibular advancement device (MAD) fits over the lower and upper teeth and is connected by hinges. The jaw and tongue are moved and kept forward by the MAD so that during the night the airway and airflow are never restricted.

Tongue retaining mouthpiece

These are built similar to the MADs but are kept in place via suction from a compartment around the tongue that keeps it forward. With the tongue retaining mouthpiece, the jaw is not kept forward for those who are unable to have their jaw do so.

Possible complications

The oral appliances used to treat sleep apnea do have some drawbacks and possible complications that need to be watched for and discussed with your dentist before using the appliance. They include the following:

• The appliances lead to increased amounts of saliva in the mouth, requiring frequent swallowing.
• Damage to teeth and soft tissues in the mouth and jaw muscles and joints is possible.
• The appliance can cause discomfort, especially in the morning. This may result in people not wanting to use the device as often as they should.
• The sleep apnea may be too severe for an oral appliance to be effective.

Conclusion

Oral appliances require a proper fitting in order to be effective for sleep apnea treatment, but they are simple and effective devices. Frequent visits with your dentist for any fitting changes as well as monitoring the effectiveness of your oral appliance can help you find the right fit to aid you in your sleep therapy. You do not need to suffer through sleep apnea affects when your dentist can help you with a simple device.

People of all ages can suffer from sleep apnea, but it is most common in adults over the age of 40. According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 18 million Americans suffer from this condition. In children, this is often caused by enlarged tonsils, which can obstruct a child’s airway during sleep. In adults, males and persons who are overweight are at risk. It is important to get this condition treated since it can lead to a variety of health issues.

Types of sleep apnea

Not every person experiences the same form of the disorder. There are three main categories of this condition.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive apnea is the most common form of the disorder. It can affect people of all ages. In adults, those who are overweight are more likely to suffer from the condition. This occurs when the airway is obstructed, or blocked, during sleep. Enlarged tonsils or soft tissue often contribute to the problem. The blockage most often occurs when people sleep on their backs.

Central sleep apnea

Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, this type occurs because the brain does not trigger the muscles to breathe, which more frequently happens in people over the age of 65 than in younger persons. As people age, medical conditions become more likely, which can cause issues with the brain signaling the lungs to breathe.

Mixed sleep apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two. Sometimes, people with both types do not realize it at first since medical professionals may assume that obstructive sleep apnea is the only cause. However, for those who continue to experience breathing issues when the obstructive apnea is treated, central apnea may be present as well.

Symptoms

Some symptoms are quite general, and it can be difficult to determine whether the symptoms are caused by sleep apnea or another condition. Undergoing a sleep study is one way to pinpoint the source of the problem.

Nighttime symptoms

While there are some symptoms that point to a potential diagnosis, a sleep study can confirm the finding and show the severity. At night, those with sleep apnea may snore loudly. It is often loud enough to keep their partners awake. Pauses in breathing are often experienced, but the individual may not be aware of them because they typically do not cause the person to fully wake up. Gasping for breath at night is another common sign.

Daytime symptoms

People who think they are getting a good amount of sleep but are still tired may not be experiencing good sleep quality. Although a variety of reasons can cause this, it may indicate sleep apnea. In addition, waking up with a scratchy voice, sore throat, dry mouth or headache can point to a lack of quality sleep. Forgetfulness, mental fog and changes in mood can also be a sign, according to WebMD.

Sleep apnea can cause a variety of health issues and lower an individual’s quality of life. It is important for persons who suspect they might have sleep apnea to get it checked out as soon as possible.

If you have sleep apnea, then you have episodes where you stop breathing throughout the night. One of the most common treatments is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. However, if you do not want a CPAP machine, there are several lifestyle changes that can help. Read on to learn more.

Losing weight

People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Being overweight can lead to excess tissue in the neck area, which is where the airway is. When an individual has too much tissue, it can partially or fully cover the airway during sleep. The excess tissue may also place pressure on the tongue and cause it to fall back. The individual does not have as much control over this during the night.

Quitting smoking

Smoking negatively affects the lungs and breathing habits. The smoke can irritate the tissues in the airway. When the tissues become irritated, they can begin to swell, which can block the airway. Because the airway is disrupted, it can become congested. As it vibrates, individuals will snore. Even people who previously smoked are likely to have sleep apnea.

There are many studies that link snoring, smoking and sleep apnea. One study showed that people who smoke are over twice as likely to snore than those who never smoked. Another study looked at current, past and never smokers. The study showed that one in four current or past smokers snored. But only one in seven people who never smoked snored. While snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, it is not always.

Avoiding drinking

Alcohol can relax an individual, so it makes sense that it can also relax the muscles in the airway. This can cause sleep apnea. However, for individuals who have mild sleep apnea, alcohol can worsen it. Several studies have shown that alcohol can lengthen the amount of time that a sleep apnea episode lasts. It allows more time to pass between the time an individual stops breathing and when the patient wakes up.

Changing positions

Sometimes, the simplest solution can work. Sleeping on the back is not a good idea for those with sleep apnea. This allows the jaw to fall back over the airway. Other tissues near the airway also become crowded when individuals sleep on their backs.

Instead, sleeping on the side is a better option. This does not cause airway blockage. It can also provide better blood flow. This is why sleeping on the left side is slightly better than sleeping on the right.

Visit a doctor for sleep apnea treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious condition. If left untreated, it can cause many health problems. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it is a good idea to make the lifestyle changes above. However, it is also important to visit a doctor. Getting a sleep study can help a doctor determine if you have sleep apnea. A dentist can provide you with an oral appliance to help.

For patients struggling to sleep through the night, sleep medicine treatment may be worth considering. A lot of people suffer from sleep apnea and other similar conditions that cause a disruptive night of sleep. While some symptoms may be natural, others are not and may require the help of a medical professional such as a sleep medicine dentist or doctor.

Thankfully, modern medicine has allowed for the development of multiple sleep medicine treatments. Some of these treatments involve dentistry, while others focus solely on sleep medicine itself. In this article, discover four different options for sleep medicine treatment, all of which are said to help patients sleep better at night. This information can be especially helpful to someone who may not be sure what type of treatment plan to consider.

4 sleep medicine options to sleep better at night

Below are outlined a few common sleep medicine treatment options for patients suffering from sleep apnea or other related conditions. Keep reading to find out more!

Mandibular advancement device

One popular option for dental sleep medicine treatment is a mandibular advancement device, also known as a MAD. This is an oral appliance prescribed by sleep medicine dentists. The goal of a MAD is to position the jaw in a certain way during the night that allows the airway to never become obstructed.

Tongue-retaining device

Another common method of sleep medicine treatment for apnea is a tongue-retaining device, which is also an oral appliance. The difference of this option is that it is shaped more like a pacifier with a hole in the middle. The hole holds the tongue in a forward position so that it cannot obstruct the airway while the patient is asleep. Just like a MAD, a tongue-retaining device is also administered by a sleep medicine dentist, and it is custom-created specifically for each patient.

CPAP machines

CPAP is a continuous positive airway pressure machine that sends positive air into the patient’s body throughout the night. This sleep medicine option does not necessarily involve dentistry, but it does require a custom breathing mask for the patient to wear during the night. The mask is connected to a hose that feeds into an air machine. CPAP machines are known to produce good results, but they are more obtrusive than oral appliances.

Orofacial therapy

Some sleep medicine specialists recommend that apnea patients undergo orofacial therapy, which can help train the tongue muscles to sit in a more forward position. Over time, this type of therapy can significantly improve the way that the muscles work within the mouth, thus lowering the chances that a patient may experience breathing difficulties during the night. Orofacial therapy is also said to help patients who snore a lot, which is another type of sleeping condition.

Get started with sleep medicine today!

Want to learn more about sleep medicine treatment from a dentist or doctor? Let us help you. Our team would be happy to answer any questions or address outstanding concerns. Give us a call or stop by our office today.

Many people suffer from sleep apnea, which is a medical condition that causes a person’s airway to become closed off while they are sleeping. The condition can cause medical complications if it goes untreated, but thankfully dentists are working with other medical professionals to diagnose, treat and manage it.

Dental sleep apnea treatment is becoming more popular, and with good reason. Many patients find this type of treatment to be quite successful, which is why it is important to understand who is a candidate. This article outlines that information so that patients seeking treatment can be prepared for what the dentist may tell them.

Determining candidates for sleep apnea treatment

Outlined below is information regarding what makes someone a candidate for sleep apnea treatment from a dentist. Keep reading to find out more!

Disruptive sleeping patterns

Patients who experience disruptive sleeping patterns may be candidates for sleep apnea treatment. Disruptive sleeping patterns include difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well as waking up with breathing troubles.

Dental sleep apnea treatment can tackle disruptive sleeping patterns throughout the night. Some of the more common options include CPAP machines or oral appliances to help lower the chances that the patient will struggle with sleeping.

Severe snoring

Snoring is a main symptom of sleep apnea, and dental sleep specialists often monitor the patient’s sleeping patterns to determine if snoring takes place or not. Patients who suffer from this symptom may make good candidates for sleep apnea treatment.

When patients snore, it often causes issues within their sinuses and nasal cavities. Long-term, snoring can cause pain, as well as problems with the way the patient breathes. Most dentists will want patients who snore to undergo sleep apnea treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid future complications.

Morning-after symptoms

Patients who wake up with severe symptoms, such as headaches, ongoing fatigue or even a sore throat will likely make good candidates for sleep apnea treatment. These symptoms can disrupt the patient’s day, which could become a problem both personally and professionally later on down the line.

Sleep apnea often causes fatigue because the patient is not able to sleep through the night. Patients are also likely experience headaches and a sore throat the next day. When the airway becomes obstructed for multiple periods of time, the body will react appropriately. In this case, the reaction can cause long-term damage.

Get started today!

Sleep apnea treatment can be done through dentistry. It is often a good idea to explore all kinds of treatment to determine what would be most efficient. However, certain sleep apnea treatments may not always be effective for everyone, which is why it is important to consult with a dentist. Being aware of who is a candidate for what type of treatment can be extremely helpful.

Reach out with any questions regarding sleep apnea treatment. Our dental sleep specialists can help get you started today.

Sleep apnea is a frustrating condition that affects many people’s ability to function normally each day. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for sleep apnea, and those who utilize professional treatment from a dentist often see many useful benefits, such as the ability to function better each day.

Reasons to consider sleep apnea treatment

All too many who have sleep apnea avoid treatment, thinking it is either ineffective or causes more trouble than it is worth. However, there are many conventional treatment options available that are incredibly effective. The following is four reasons to consider sleep apnea treatment from a dentist.

Increased energy

The inability to function normally each day is one of the most disrupting symptoms of sleep apnea. Those who struggle with the condition are often unable to get a proper night of rest due to an inability to fall asleep and constantly waking up in the middle of the night. Sleep apnea treatment improves the patient’s breathing patterns while asleep, which allows them to stay asleep throughout the night. Subsequently, patients often see increased energy levels daily.

Healthier lifestyle

Sleep is incredibly important to a person’s health, and an inability to get a proper night of rest may lead to increased levels of stress, difficulty hearing and an inability to control blood glucose levels. Another major issue among many sleep apnea patients is chronic headaches, especially throughout the night and early in the morning. By visiting a dentist for sleep apnea treatment, many patients see their immediate and long-term health improve.

Reduced snoring

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, and most patients with sleep apnea have an issue with loud snoring. Snoring is most commonly the result of an inability to move air freely through the nose and throat while sleeping. Sleep apnea is by definition a disorder in which breathing frequently stops throughout the night, hence the connection between the two. Through sleep apnea treatment, patients often breathe better, reducing the amount of snoring they experience.

Better relationships

All too many patients with sleep apnea avoid treatment as they grow accustomed to the day time symptoms and do not notice many while they are asleep, such as snoring. However, sleep apnea causes loud snoring and leads many people to toss and turn throughout the night as they are unable to stay asleep, which often disrupts significant others or family members that may be close. Subsequently, treatment for the condition helps patients and those who sleep with or near them sleep better.

Talk to a dentist about sleep apnea treatment

Sleep apnea does not have to hold you back from getting a great night of sleep and functioning at an optimal level throughout the day. There are several treatment options available to patients, including dental devices such as a mouth guard for sleep apnea. To learn more about treatment and find out how we can help you defeat sleep apnea, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation.

The Alaska Sleep Clinic estimates that 20 million Americans live with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes the cessation of breathing while one sleeps. The most obvious primary symptoms of OSA are snoring and gasping for air in the middle of the night, though the condition causes several secondary symptoms that can negatively affect one’s quality of life. If a person shows signs of having sleep apnea, it is imperative to undergo a sleep study and receive appropriate treatment.

Reasons one should never ignore the signs of sleep apnea

OSA causes brief bouts of wakefulness up to 30 times an hour throughout the night. These episodes of wakefulness, combined with the low oxygen levels, can lead to several life-altering and possibly life-threatening consequences. Below are just five reasons one should never ignore the signs of OSA.

1.Daytime fatigue

Even if a person gets the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, sleep apnea causes interrupted sleep, which results in daytime fatigue. Daytime fatigue is characterized by concentration problems, memory issues, irritability and lack of productivity. It may also cause a person to fall asleep at inconvenient or even dangerous times. For instance, according to WebMD, people with sleep apnea are five times more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident than those without the condition.

2.Weight gain

Individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to gain weight than those who do not have the condition. The weight gain is the result of several factors. For one, the metabolism slows down when a person is sleep deprived. Two, a sleep-deprived individual has less energy to work out or to prepare healthy meals for oneself.

Three, sleep deprivation causes a hormone imbalance. When asleep, the body produces two hormones, ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin tells a person when to eat while leptin tells the body to stop eating. During a solid six to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep, the body produces equal amounts of the hormones. However, when a person sleeps fitfully, the body may produce more ghrelin and less leptin, which equates to weight gain.

3.Type 2 diabetes

Just like lack of sleep can affect the body’s ability to produce proper amounts of leptin and ghrelin, so too can it affect the body’s ability to regulate insulin. When the body fails to regulate insulin, a person’s risk for developing diabetes increases exponentially. In fact, WebMD suggests that 80% or more of people who live with diabetes also have OSA.

4.Heart disease

Sleep apnea disrupts how the body takes in oxygen, which leads to low oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels, combined with the stress that comes with interrupted sleep, increase one’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

5.High blood pressure

Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure or make an existing condition worse. When a person has to constantly wake to catch their breath, the body become stressed. Stress makes the body’s hormones go into overdrive, which raises blood pressure levels. Conversely, treatment for OSA can help regulate blood pressure levels.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is not a condition one should take lightly. With proper treatment from a qualified dental professional, one can control sleep apnea and improve overall quality of life.

If you have sleep apnea, then you have episodes where you stop breathing throughout the night. One of the most common treatments is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. However, if you do not want a CPAP machine, there are several lifestyle changes that can help. Read on to learn more.

Losing weight

People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Being overweight can lead to excess tissue in the neck area, which is where the airway is. When an individual has too much tissue, it can partially or fully cover the airway during sleep. The excess tissue may also place pressure on the tongue and cause it to fall back. The individual does not have as much control over this during the night.

Quitting smoking

Smoking negatively affects the lungs and breathing habits. The smoke can irritate the tissues in the airway. When the tissues become irritated, they can begin to swell, which can block the airway. Because the airway is disrupted, it can become congested. As it vibrates, individuals will snore. Even people who previously smoked are likely to have sleep apnea.

There are many studies that link snoring, smoking and sleep apnea. One study showed that people who smoke are over twice as likely to snore than those who never smoked. Another study looked at current, past and never smokers. The study showed that one in four current or past smokers snored. But only one in seven people who never smoked snored. While snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, it is not always.

Avoiding drinking

Alcohol can relax an individual, so it makes sense that it can also relax the muscles in the airway. This can cause sleep apnea. However, for individuals who have mild sleep apnea, alcohol can worsen it. Several studies have shown that alcohol can lengthen the amount of time that a sleep apnea episode lasts. It allows more time to pass between the time an individual stops breathing and when the patient wakes up.

Changing positions

Sometimes, the simplest solution can work. Sleeping on the back is not a good idea for those with sleep apnea. This allows the jaw to fall back over the airway. Other tissues near the airway also become crowded when individuals sleep on their backs.

Instead, sleeping on the side is a better option. This does not cause airway blockage. It can also provide better blood flow. This is why sleeping on the left side is slightly better than sleeping on the right.

Visit a doctor for sleep apnea treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious condition. If left untreated, it can cause many health problems. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it is a good idea to make the lifestyle changes above. However, it is also important to visit a doctor. Getting a sleep study can help a doctor determine if you have sleep apnea. A dentist can provide you with an oral appliance to help.

Most health conditions have warning signs, and that holds true for sleep apnea. Understanding the common symptoms means you can speak with a professional about these concerns and progress towards a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Commons symptoms of sleep apnea

While some symptoms can be present in a range of conditions, it is a good idea to understand the various warning signs that may be present in an individual with this sleep disorder. Take a look at five common signs:

1. Snoring

Snoring is perhaps the most common symptom of this sleep disorder. This does not mean light, gentle snores that occasionally happen or are a result of a stuffy nose from a common cold. Rather, heavy snoring that is strong enough to wake a person or someone lying next to an individual during sleep is a sign that may potentially indicate a sleep disorder. This is usually tested for during a sleep study to determine if sleep apnea is present and how severe it may be.

2. Lethargy

Constantly feeling tired is a sign of poor sleep. This can lead to daytime drowsiness, falling asleep at work or even when driving. This is beyond simply being tired from staying up too late. It can lead to serious and even potentially dangerous situations, so it is important to not ignore this warning sign.

3. Gasping or choking when waking up

A person’s breathing should remain normal during sleep, so if someone wakes up while gasping for breath or choking it may be a sign that normal breathing was disturbed. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is temporarily closed, which leads to a pause in breathing. The brain wakes the body when this happens, which results in a person gasping for air and attempting to breathe normally once again.

4. Mood changes

Another common symptom of sleep disorders is changes in a person’s mood. This includes irritability and depression. Please note that these can also be signs of other medical or mental health conditions and should be treated accordingly. That being said, people diagnosed with this sleep disorder have noticed some mood changes before being diagnosed, and that could be contributed to restless and disrupted sleep.

5. Pauses in breathing

This one is difficult because it is usually not noticed until a sleep study test is performed. However, if a person has observed pauses in breathing during sleep, it is a significant warning sign that should not be ignored for any reason. Pauses in breathe during sleep is the very definition of sleep apnea and should be brought to a doctor’s attention immediately.

Conclusion

There are many warning signs that are related to sleep apnea, so being aware of these can help you and a medical team decide on the next steps. Taking note of any symptoms experienced can help lead to a diagnosis and treatment for better health and safe sleep.