Snoring & Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Apnea means “the absence of breath.” Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something is blocking the airways making it difficult to breathe during sleeping. Sleep apnea is a common condition, which affects approximately 5% of adults. It is a lot less prevalent amongst children and is usually due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils.

Sleep apnoa is more common in males, with the risk increasing for women after menopause. It is often caused by obesity or excessive fatty tissue around the neck region. For those who are not overweight Sleep apnea can be caused by narrow airways or facial structure that leads to the airways collapsing.

There are two types of sleep apnea;

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea- The most common of the two, where the muscles of the throat collapse during sleep, blocking the flow of air from the nose to the lungs.
• Central Apnea- is when the breathing is interrupted by the brain mechanisms that control the breathing.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

People suffering with sleep apnea experience frequent snoring and cessation of breathing for ten or more seconds. This occurs hundreds of times a night, resulting in a restless, disjointed sleep, however many are not aware of waking during the night.  Side effects of sleep apnea include;

• Fatigue during the day time
• Head aches
• Changes in personality/ depression
• Irritability
• Frequent urination during the night
• Loud snoring
• Lack of concentration

What Can Your Dentist Do to Help?

People who suspect they may have a form of sleep apnea should always consult their doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. Your dentist can also assist in you getting a good night’s sleep through the use of oral appliances. Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a plate to bed that is much like a sports mouth guard. It allows adequate air intake by keeping the airways open and preventing the collapse of the tongue and the soft tissues in the back of the throat.

Dentists with training in oral appliance therapy will perform a thorough examination and then make a decision on which appliance is best suited to you. Moulds of your mouth are taken and there will be subsequent fitting appointments. Dentists make adjustments to maximize functionality and adaption to the appliance.

Ongoing care, including short- and long-term follow up is an essential step in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Follow up care serves to assess the treatment of your sleep disorder, the condition of your appliance, your response to your appliance, and to ensure that it is comfortable and effective.

By Riverside Dental Spa – Snoring & Sleep Apnea on the Central Coast.