How a Dentist Can Help Your Sleep Apnea and Snoring
We all know the refreshing feeling of waking up after a good night’s rest, but for some, this can be difficult to achieve. Countless adults suffer from sleep apnea, and snoring can be a significant problem for both the sleeper and other household members.
While there are numerous treatment options for either situation, would it surprise you to know that the dentist can also help? In this article, we’ll look at how snoring and sleep apnea happen, and what the dentist can do about them.
Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Their Impact on Your Health
When some people go to sleep, the muscles at the back of their throat relax into the airway. The vibration of this relaxed tissue results in that infamous snoring sound. For a few, however, the situation becomes much more serious.
With sleep apnea, the relaxed muscles block the airway completely. This cuts off oxygen intake, forcing the body to wake the person and regain breathing. This can happen dozens of times in a single night, and the affected person is often unaware they’ve woken.
Snoring can be an obnoxious trait, but the most significant consequences come from sleep apnea. The constant interruption of sleep keeps the person from reaching deep, restful sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, lack of focus and many other long-term consequences. Teeth grinding is also common, as the body forces the jaw forward to open the airway. This wears down teeth and can cause morning headaches and jaw pain.
A Dental Diagnosis
Worn teeth can be a strong indicator of sleep apnea, and is something dentists often look for. The dentist may ask if you are prone to snoring and if you have difficulty getting a good night’s rest. While a dentist cannot officially diagnose sleep apnea, they can recommend you to a specialist for a sleep evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
Dental Appliances for Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Dental appliances can be used in cases of snoring as well as sleep apnea. Broadly speaking, these dental appliances fall into one of two categories:
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) – These devices are designed to push the lower jaw slightly forward and prevent the airway from closing. They are composed of two dental arches fitted over the upper and lower teeth and are connected by a metal hinge. The dentist can adjust the appliance to ensure that the fit and jaw position is comfortable, allowing you a safe and restorative night’s rest.
Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces – These appliances fit around the tongue and hold them in a fixed position by means of suction. Keeping the tongue from slipping toward the back of the throat stops the muscles from relaxing, thus eliminating sleep apnea and limiting snoring as well.
The type of device that works best for you will depend on multiple factors. The dentist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine which dental appliance will give you the best results.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, or want to reduce snoring, our practice can help. Schedule a visit for a comprehensive consultation.