Simply put, sleep apnea is a condition that causes the sufferer to periodically stop breathing (five or more cessations per hour make it clinically significant) while they are sleeping. There are three types of apnea. The obstructive form is caused by a physical blockage of the air passageway by relaxed throat tissue. Central sleep apnea results from a failure of the brain stem to trigger the respiratory process. The third type is complex sleep apnea which is a combination of the obstructive and central types. Beginning with some background information, the focus of this piece will be sleep apnea dentist alternatives for those suffering from the obstructive form.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can possibly have many unwanted symptoms and harmful consequences. Researchers have found people afflicted with this condition can fall victim to heavy snoring, depression, memory lapses, personality change, restless sleep, headaches and, in severe cases, leg swelling. Daytime sleepiness can also arise and result in making people more prone to industrial and motor vehicle accidents.
Those most at risk are middle-aged, usually from forty to sixty years in age. It is more prevalent in males than females, and those who are obese are particularly susceptible. Heredity is a factor as is ethnicity. In the United States, African-Americans' represent the highest risk group for developing sleep apnea. Mexican Americans' and Pacific-Islanders are also at higher risk than other groups.
Non-medical treatments are often explored before any medical or surgical treatment is undertaken. These can include: diet change, limiting the intake of alcohol, avoiding depressants, sleeping on ones side, nasal strips, and raising the head of the bed. Unfortunately, these cures are not always effective leading people to explore other options.
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is one method of treatment. Users wear a nasal mask or full-faced mask where pressurized air is delivered to the airway to facilitate consistent breathing. However, many cannot tolerate this approach or find it too obtrusive to their lifestyle. This, in part, has lead to the growing field of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) treatment. This method is prescribed by dentists specializing in sleep disorders.
The most widely used OAT device is the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD.) Looking not too unlike a mouth guard a football player might wear, a MAD is worn at bedtime and widens the throat and increases the size of the airway by slighting forcing the lower jaw down and forward. It has been shown to help those who frequently sleep on their back and snore heavily.
Another, albeit less frequently used, effective dental appliance is the Tongue Retraining Device. Often an overly relaxed tongue blocks the airway while sleeping leading to problems breathing. The Tongue Retaining Device is a splint that holds the tongue in a position that prevents it from blocking the air passage.
Sleep apnea goes beyond the annoyance of heavy snoring. It can represent a dangerous life-altering condition. It is therefore noteworthy that the growing field of OAT therapy has been shown to be an effective means to treat, generally mild to moderate cases of this problem.
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