What is sleep apnea and how can my dentist help?

About 18 million adults in the US get poor sleep because of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. This is a chronic condition that occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Dentists can treat OSA through dental sleep medicine.

When a person has OSA, the muscles at the back of their throat relax during sleep and block the esophagus. The tongue may slide back and block the esophagus, too, in some cases. This can cause you to snore or wake up to breathe. Breathing can stop for 10 seconds or longer and can happen as much as 30 times an hour. If you are waking up to breathe 30 times every hour, it can really affect the quality of your sleep. You may feel tired all day, even if you got enough sleep.

Symptoms of OSA include feeling sleepy during the day, snoring, headaches, and gasping for air during the night. If you experience these symptoms, ask your family doctor about OSA. An overnight sleep study is required to diagnose OSA.

Solutions for Sleep Apnea

When you have an OSA diagnosis, your dentist can offer options for treatment. One method of treating OSA is with a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This device fits like an orthodontic retainer and holds your lower jaw in a forward position, keeping the airway open.

Your dentist may also recommend using a tongue retaining device. This device is used to keep the tongue in a forward position, preventing it from falling back and blocking the airway.

These devices can alleviate or completely eliminate your sleep apnea. You will get much better sleep and feel awake and alert during the day.

If you have OSA, you can schedule an appointment with Midland Dental & Oasis Kids and Orthodontics to learn more about treatment options.