Sleep Apnea & Snoring Appliances Mississauga
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly becomes narrowed or blocked during sleep. When the airway is obstructed, breathing can stop or become significantly reduced for periods of time. These episodes can occur repeatedly throughout the night and may interfere with normal sleep and oxygen levels.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that should be properly diagnosed and treated. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can affect sleep quality, daytime alertness, concentration, and overall health. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, a medical evaluation and appropriate sleep testing may be recommended.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Common signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Loud or persistent snoring
- Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner or family member
- Waking frequently during the night
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating or problems with memory
- Irritability or changes in mood
Snoring alone does not necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. However, loud snoring combined with witnessed breathing pauses, gasping during sleep, or significant daytime sleepiness should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea can affect adults and children, although the causes and risk factors may differ. Factors that can increase the likelihood of developing OSA include:
- Excess body weight – Increased tissue around the upper airway can contribute to airway narrowing during sleep.
- Neck circumference – A larger neck circumference may be associated with a narrower upper airway.
- Airway anatomy – A naturally narrow airway, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or other anatomical characteristics can contribute to obstruction.
- Age – The risk of obstructive sleep apnea generally increases with age.
- Family history – Having relatives with sleep apnea may increase your risk.
- Sex and hormonal factors – OSA is more common in men, while risk in women can increase with factors such as weight gain and menopause.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Because symptoms such as snoring and daytime fatigue can have several possible causes, sleep apnea should not be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist may recommend a sleep study or home sleep apnea test to determine whether obstructive sleep apnea is present and how severe it is.
If you have already been diagnosed with OSA, your dentist can work with your healthcare provider or sleep specialist to determine whether a dental sleep appliance may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
A custom oral appliance can be an effective treatment option for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea. These appliances are worn during sleep and are designed to help maintain a more open upper airway, commonly by repositioning the lower jaw and/or tongue.
Oral appliance therapy is different from a standard nightguard used to protect teeth from grinding. A sleep apnea appliance is specifically designed and adjusted for the treatment of sleep-related breathing problems. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and overall oral health before determining whether an oral appliance is appropriate.
Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?
Oral appliance therapy may be considered for some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, for patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or in other situations where a physician or sleep specialist recommends an oral appliance. The most appropriate treatment depends on the severity and characteristics of your sleep apnea and your individual health needs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea but have not yet been diagnosed, the first step is to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about appropriate testing. If you have already received a diagnosis, Parkway Family Dentistry can discuss whether a custom oral appliance may be suitable as part of your treatment plan.
