Thousands of adult Bahamians suffer from sleep apnea. It’s a problem that can arise from several reasons such as weight gain, alcohol consumption and even genetics. Finding the correct cause and implementing a sustainable and minimally invasive approach to treatment can make a significant difference in one’s quality of life.
In this column, I will address the benefits of wearing a dental appliance in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. More specifically, sleep apnea happens when your airway is being obstructed, which then reduces or completely stops airflow. When your breathing stops, that period is called “apnea”. Some people are unaware they suffer from sleep apnea. When left undiagnosed or untreated, sleep apnea can result in serious health challenges like high blood pressure, heart attacks or strokes. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Also, untreated sleep apnea may result in the following: increased risk of diabetes, poor memory, male impotence and decreased sex drive, headaches and migraines, increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, increase in gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or an increase in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
What causes
sleep apnea?
There’s a long list of reasons as to why many people have sleep apnea. Some factors include:
• Obesity (fatty deposits around the neck and throat causing airway narrowing).
• Thicker or larger necks causing narrower airways.
• Being male (two to three times more susceptible).
• Age (the older you are).
• Consumption of alcohol or sedatives. These substances relax the muscles in the throat, causing them to collapse and narrow the airway.
• Smoking (which increases the inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway).
Signs that you or someone you love may have sleep apnea include snoring, sore throat or dry mouth, mood swings or irritability, daytime fatigue or sleepiness, waking up gasping, headaches upon waking up in the morning, forgetfulness and night-time grinding of teeth.
A dental approach to
combatting sleep apnea
Various options are available, namely, CPAP machines or mouth surgery. Also, the construction of a specialized dental appliance is a viable choice to treat sleep apnea. The device is referred to as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), especially designed to increase the airway while you are sleeping.
MADs are the most common type of dental sleep appliance available for the treatment of snoring and OSA. Also, they are sometimes called oral appliances, or dental sleep devices. MADs open the airway by moving the mandible (the lower jaw) forward. As the jaw is moved forward, the collapsible part of your airway is held open by the forward movement of the tongue and other airway muscles. Mandibular advancement devices improve the strength and rigidity of the airway by increasing the muscle activity of the tongue and other muscles of the airway.
Anti-sleep apnea and snoring mouthpieces are a great answer for those who want an inexpensive, yet effective way to cure obstructive sleep apnea. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, see a medical and dental professional and have a sleep test. A timely diagnosis can be life-changing and add value to your physical and emotional well-being.
• Dr. Kendal V.O. Major is the founder and CEO of the Center for Specialized Dentistry, which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in New Providence and Grand Bahama. He is the first Bahamian specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He is also a certified fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, New Providence. He can be contacted at (242) 325-5165 or kmajorcsd@gmail.com.
The post A proven dental treatment for sleep apnea sufferers appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/a-proven-dental-treatment-for-sleep-apnea-sufferers/
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