How an Airway Dentist Supports You in Sleep Apnea

A man sleeping with his mouth open, showing signs of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can have serious consequences on your health, but an airway dentist plays a key role in early detection and treatment. From identifying airway-related signs during routine check-ups to offering non-invasive treatments like oral appliances, an airway-focused approach helps manage sleep apnea effectively. Let’s explore how dental care can improve your sleep health.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea (MSA) combines both OSA and CSA.

Sleep apnea is concerning because it can cause daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the disorder and improving quality of life.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, resulting in frequent breathing disruptions. Mild OSA is classified by an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) between 5 and 15. Moderate OSA requires individualised treatment and can significantly improve with appropriate management. Factors like obesity, anatomical abnormalities, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or alcohol consumption can increase the risk of OSA. Severe OSA is defined by an AHI greater than 30.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. While the airway remains open, the body does not initiate breathing, leading to apneas. CSA is often associated with underlying health conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or the use of certain medications.

Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA)

MSA, or complex sleep apnea syndrome, is a combination of OSA and CSA. It typically begins as OSA that is treated with CPAP therapy or other methods, but central apneas may persist even after the airway obstruction is resolved.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Nighttime Symptoms

  • Breathing Pauses: Apnea events occur when airflow stops during sleep, disrupting sleep and decreasing oxygen levels, straining the cardiovascular system.
  • Noisy Breathing: Snoring, gasping, or choking are common sounds associated with sleep apnea, caused by partial or complete airway blockage.
  • Frequent Nighttime Awakenings: Apnea events can cause the brain to momentarily wake the sleeper to resume normal breathing, resulting in fragmented sleep.

Daytime Symptoms

  • Persistent Fatigue: Despite adequate time in bed, sleep apnea disrupts restful sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Lack of quality sleep impairs cognitive function, leading to problems with focus, memory, and daily tasks.
  • Emotional Instability: Sleep deprivation can cause mood swings, irritability, and contribute to depression and anxiety.
  • Morning Headaches: Decreased oxygen levels during sleep can cause headaches or migraines upon waking.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including:

  • Chronic Sleep Deprivation: Disrupts the body’s restorative processes, leading to persistent fatigue and cognitive impairments. This affects personal safety, increases the risk of accidents, and reduces productivity.
  • Cardiovascular Strain: Frequent breathing pauses lead to fluctuating oxygen levels, raising blood pressure and elevating the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
  • Metabolic Issues: Linked to metabolic problems like weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Mental Health Impact: Persistent sleep disruption can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, further impairing quality of life.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Seeking early diagnosis and treatment can lead to:

  • Improved Sleep Quality: Timely interventions restore restful sleep, reducing daytime fatigue and cognitive impairments.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Treatments like CPAP therapy improve oxygen levels and reduce cardiovascular strain, lowering risks of heart disease and stroke.
  • Enhanced Daytime Functioning: Addresses symptoms such as fatigue and concentration difficulties, improving performance and productivity.
  • Better Mental Health: Improved sleep quality positively impacts mental health, reducing depression and anxiety and promoting emotional stability.
A woman peacefully sleeping after receiving sleep apnea treatment.

Oral Appliances for Treating Sleep Apnea

Oral Appliance Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea that involves using custom-made devices to maintain an open airway during sleep by repositioning the jaw or tongue. This option is particularly suitable for individuals who may not tolerate CPAP therapy.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

MADs are the primary oral appliances used for sleep apnea. They work by gently pushing the lower jaw forward, which prevents the airway from collapsing during sleep. These devices are adjustable, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness.

Oral appliances offer a comfortable and convenient alternative to CPAP therapy, improving sleep quality and overall health for many patients.

How Dentists Diagnose & Treat Sleep Apnea?

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Importance of Consulting a Dentist for Initial Screening: Dentists play a crucial role in early sleep apnea detection. During routine check-ups, they can identify potential signs, such as worn teeth from grinding or reports of frequent snoring and daytime fatigue. By consulting a dentist, individuals can receive an initial screening that may indicate the need for further investigation.

Referral Process to a Physician: If a dentist suspects sleep apnea, they refer the patient to a physician for a formal diagnosis. This ensures the patient receives a comprehensive evaluation, typically involving a sleep study to confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea. Collaboration between dental and medical professionals is essential in this approach.

Initial Sleep Assessment with Diagnostic Report: A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a comprehensive test to diagnose sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent form that is often unrecognised or underdiagnosed, with significant clinical implications, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients spend the night at home for level 2 and level 3 PSG, where brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns are monitored. This data helps diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity, guiding the treatment plan.

Tailored Device and Treatment Plan: Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, dentists can fit patients with custom-made oral appliances to manage the condition. These devices, such as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), are designed to keep the airway open during sleep. Dentists take detailed impression scans of the patient’s teeth and jaws to create a device that fits comfortably and effectively. At Hello Dental, treatment is paired with myofunctional therapy and lifestyle habit advice for a holistic approach.

Follow-Up Sleep Study for Enhanced Sleep Quality: After the initial fitting, patients often undergo a follow-up sleep study to evaluate the effectiveness of the oral appliance. This ensures the device works correctly and improves sleep quality. Dentists may adjust the device and provide ongoing support and monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Dentists are vital in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, allowing patients to improve their overall health and quality of life. Timely interventions, such as oral appliances, can improve sleep, reduce health risks, and promote emotional well-being. 

At Hello Dental, our airway dentist provides personalised care tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring effective management of sleep apnea. We also pair the treatment with myofunctional therapy and lifestyle habit advice for a more holistic approach, paving the way for healthier, more restful nights.