Are you struggling with getting a restful sleep due to sleep apnea? Whether it’s daytime fatigue, snoring, or frequent awakenings, the impact of sleep apnea on your daily life can be significant. Fortunately, there are potential dental solutions that could have a positive effect on your overall quality of sleep and help you get more restful nights. Read on to learn more about how to get better sleep when you have sleep apnea.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep, for longer than 10 seconds at least 5 times per hour (on average) throughout your sleep period. These periods are called hypopneas when your breathing is reduced and you’re not taking in enough oxygen. They’re called apneas if your breathing completely stops. Your breathing typically stops because something is blocking your upper airway, such as the muscles, tongue, and other body tissues.

Severity

OSA can range from moderate to severe, based on a measurement and rating system called the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The AHI measures an average number of apnea and hypopnea episodes that you experience per hour that you sleep.

OSA is classified by severity:

• Severe OSA means that your AHI is greater than 30 (more than 30 episodes per hour)
• Moderate OSA means that your AHI is between 15 and 30
• Mild OSA means that your AHI is between 5 and 15

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Signs and symptoms of OSA include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
• High blood pressure
• Decreased libido

Potential Dental Solutions for Better Sleep With Sleep Apnea

If you have mild to moderate OSA, there are potential dental solutions that could provide relief. Some of these include:

Mouthpieces:

Oral devices such as a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or tongue retaining device (TRD) can help realign your jaw and open your airway while you sleep. These mouthpieces fit snugly over your teeth and gently move the lower jaw forward. This helps to keep your tongue out of the way and open your airway, allowing you to breathe better while you sleep.

Surgery:

If your OSA is more severe, surgery may be an option. Surgery can help to reposition or remove tissues that are blocking your airway. Surgery is usually only recommended when other treatments have failed or in cases of severe OSA.

Why You Should Treat Sleep Apnea

It is important to get treatment for sleep apnea to prevent long-term problems. Poorly treated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even depression. Left untreated, OSA can also cause fatigue and impact your overall quality of life.

How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Dental Health

People who suffer from OSA often breathe through their mouth at night because the airways leading to the nose are narrower and more easily obstructed. Breathing through the mouth leads to mouth dryness, a major contributing factor to plaque, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This is because saliva helps wash the surface of the teeth, cleaning away bacteria and the debris left from food that bacteria thrive in. While gingivitis and tooth decay certainly aren’t a clear indication of sleep apnea, taken along with other factors they might point to an OSA diagnosis.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you or someone you know suffers from OSA, contact Mountain Aire Dentistry for a consultation. Our experienced dental team can evaluate your needs and provide you with treatment options to help manage your condition. We’ll work with you to create the perfect plan that fits into your lifestyle and helps you get the restful nights of sleep that you deserve.

Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from getting the restful nights of sleep that you need. Contact Mountain Aire Dentistry today and start getting the relief that you deserve.