While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines have long been the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dental appliances have become a popular and effective alternative for many patients.

Dental appliances are small devices that fit in your mouth like a retainer and help position your jaw and tongue so your airway is unobstructed during sleep. How can people with OSA benefit from using a dental appliance?

Comfort and Ease of Use

Dental appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are known for being much more comfortable to wear and use than CPAP machines [1].

Unlike CPAP machines, which can feel bulky and cumbersome, dental appliances are custom-fitted to your mouth and designed to be more discreet. This makes them easier to wear throughout the night, encouraging better adherence to treatment and improving overall sleep quality.

Portability

Dental appliances are lightweight and compact, making them highly portable. Patients who travel frequently find it easy to pack their dental appliance without the need for additional equipment, distilled water, or electrical outlets.

This portability means patients can maintain their sleep apnea treatment even while on the go, reducing the chances of sleep apnea symptoms recurring during travel.

Reduced Noise

CPAP machines often produce noise, which can be disruptive to both the user and their bed partner. However, dental appliances are not battery-operated and make no noise, allowing for a more peaceful sleeping environment.

This can be particularly beneficial for couples, as it minimizes disturbances that could otherwise affect both partners’ sleep. Those who can’t tolerate CPAP because of the noise may find dental appliances are the better option [2]. 

Improved Sleep Quality

Some OSA patients find that dental appliances can significantly improve their sleep quality. By keeping the airway open without using a machine while sleeping, these devices can facilitate deeper and more restful sleep, leading to increased daytime alertness and improved overall health from reduced sleep apnea symptoms.

Custom Fit for Your Comfort

There are different types of dental appliances patients can use for OSA, but ones custom-crafted by your dentist are made to fit the unique structures of your mouth and jaw [3].

This customization can lead to improved comfort and better treatment outcomes for patients. Since the device fits much like a retainer and is custom-made, it can be a more comfortable and sustainable form of treatment.

Considering a Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Dental appliances offer a viable and effective alternative for managing sleep apnea. With their comfort, portability, and ease of use, they have become the preferred choice for many patients.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have been diagnosed with the condition, ask your dentist or sleep specialist whether a dental appliance can help you improve your sleep quality, reduce OSA symptoms, and enhance your overall health.

Sources:

1. https://www.aadsm.org/oral_appliance_therapy.php   
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-appliances-for-sleep-apnea-do-they-work-2021042822476 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6956298/ 

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How Snoring Can Point to a Bigger Issue

Not everyone who snores will have an underlying health issue, but for some people, snoring can be an indicator of a more serious problem.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the airway is so obstructed during sleep that the person will stop breathing at different points throughout the night. The body will eventually wake itself up, but these pauses in breathing mean your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can lead to chronic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes [1].

Alcohol and tobacco use, being overweight, and even certain medications can influence your risk for snoring. People who sleep on their back also are more likely to snore, so while snoring doesn’t always mean you have a sleep disorder, if you experience daytime fatigue even after sleeping all night, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if sleep apnea could be the culprit.

What Are Oral Appliances?

Oral appliances are a simple device that fits easily in your mouth. Unlike continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, an oral appliance fits similarly to a retainer and gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep [2].

Many people with OSA and even those who snore without a sleep disorder prefer oral appliances over CPAP therapy, which can be cumbersome and noisy during the night. Oral appliances have been shown to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and stop cessations of breathing during the night [3].

If you snore or have a sleep apnea diagnosis, your dentist can fit you for an oral appliance. Custom made for your unique smile, these devices are comfortable, easy to use, and can alleviate your snoring and associated symptoms!

Your Dentist Isn’t Just for Teeth

Your dentist is your partner in helping support not just your oral health, but your overall wellness as it relates to your smile. Even if you snore but aren’t sure if you have sleep apnea, your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist for a potential diagnosis and assist with your treatment.

If snoring has impacted your health, an oral appliance could be the answer to your symptoms. Ask your dentist about oral appliance therapy and if it could help alleviate your snoring during your next appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-snoring-always-a-sign-of-
2. https://www.aadsm.org/oral_appliance_therapy.php
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190416093729.htm

The post Need Help to Stop Snoring? Call Your Dentist! appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sleep apnea has many effects on the body, but did you know that it can also affect your oral health? Here’s how untreated sleep apnea may cause problems for your smile!

Dry Mouth Can Lead to an Increased Risk for Cavities

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked during sleep due to the muscles collapsing around the airway, leading to an inability to get air into the lungs. The brain will then signal you to wake up so breathing can resume.

When air has trouble getting into the lungs yet has not stopped completely, it will create a vibration in your throat leading to snoring. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Snoring also causes the mouth to remain open during sleep in an effort to get enough air into the body. Breathing through the mouth causes the oral cavity to dry out, which can lead to an increase in oral bacteria that could influence your risk for cavities [1].

Saliva flow is already reduced during sleep, so mouth breathing can exacerbate this effect to make tooth enamel damage more likely.

People With Sleep Disorders May Be More at Risk for Bruxism

Research has linked sleep disorders such as sleep apnea to an increased risk for bruxism, also known as teeth grinding [2]. The connection isn’t well understood, but people who suffer from sleep apnea should be evaluated for teeth grinding during their regular dental exam.

Getting treatment for bruxism is essential, as it can lead to fractured teeth, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss. Symptoms may include morning headaches, sensitive teeth, or a sore jaw or teeth.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Has Been Associated With Gum Disease

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type of sleep apnea, you may be more at risk for gum disease [3].

While the link between the two isn’t conclusive, experts speculate that the systemic inflammation OSA causes may make gum disease more likely. However, more research is needed to better understand the connection between the two disorders.

What Can You Do?

There are a few things you can do to help reduce sleep apnea’s effect on your smile:

• Get treatment for sleep apnea. Getting treatment for sleep apnea can help reduce or
  eliminate your symptoms and protect your oral health!
• Don’t put off those dental visits. Your dentist can help you manage any oral health issues you’re having as the result of your sleep apnea. Your dentist may even be able to help treat your sleep apnea through what’s called an oral appliance, which is a retainer- like device that helps keep your airway open when sleeping.
• Engage in regular oral care. Keeping your smile healthy by brushing and flossing daily in addition to eating healthy can help you keep your teeth and gums problem-free for a beautiful smile!

If you suffer from sleep apnea, don’t neglect those regular dental visits—they could save your smile and even help address your sleep apnea symptoms with oral appliance therapy!

Sources:
1. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/have-sleep-apnea-why-you-shouldnt-put-
2. http://marketplace.ada.org/blog/dental-sleep-apnea-how-sleep-disorders-affect-your-
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19198909/

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This device consists of a machine with a tube and a mask that you attach to your face at night, and it circulates air in an effort to provide continuous pressure to keep your airway open, therefore preventing the airway collapse that comes with obstructive sleep apnea.

However, while CPAP therapy is effective when used properly, it’s also known for being too uncomfortable and noisy for many patients. For some, CPAP prevents the exact thing it’s designed to do—facilitate a good night’s rest and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Could your dentist help get you off your CPAP? Here’s how your oral healthcare professional might just be able to provide another way for sleep apnea relief!

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for Sleep Apnea

An oral appliance is a device that’s similar to a retainer and is worn inside the mouth. This device prevents the collapsed airway and snoring that sleep apnea patients experience.

Oral appliances are custom-made for your unique jaw structure and come in different designs depending on what you need. Some of these devices shift the lower jaw forward, allowing the airway to remain open, and others prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep [1].

Patients who use oral appliances for sleep apnea love the discreetness of the device, making not only sleeping but traveling easier. The device is simple, comfortable, and gives patients a new way to keep their airway open during sleep and stop the severe consequences associated with sleep apnea.

What Does Research Say About the Effectiveness of OAT?

Some patients might be hesitant to switch to an oral appliance from a CPAP machine. However, research shows that an oral appliance can be just as effective as CPAP, just without the discomfort!

Research shows that oral appliances can work as an effective alternative to CPAP for the majority of patients who suffer from sleep apnea [2]. Other studies show that patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from oral appliances for their treatment [3].

Further research concluded that it was easier for patients to comply with OAT therapy as
opposed to CPAP, making it a viable option for long-term treatment [4]. Some people neglect to wear their CPAP mask nightly, as it can make sleeping uncomfortable and prevent patients from committing to the treatment long-term. However, treatment is essential to curb your sleep apnea symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.

Tired of Your CPAP Machine?

If your doctor has prescribed a CPAP machine to manage your sleep apnea, it might be time to follow up with your dentist to determine if oral appliance therapy could work for you. For many patients, these devices provide a way to successfully manage sleep apnea without the need for a machine!

Sources:
1. https://www.aastweb.org/blog/benefits-of-sleep-apnea-dental-appliances-pros-and-
cons
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738032/
3. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1289/2453867
4. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/50/suppl_61/PA4725

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Abnormal Bite or Misaligned Teeth

The position of your jaw and teeth can influence teeth grinding [1]. If you have an abnormal bite (also called a malocclusion) or crooked teeth, you’re at greater risk to grind your teeth than someone who has proper jaw and teeth alignment.

Fortunately, most cases of malocclusion can be treated with oral appliances such as orthodontic treatment. People who have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may also be at increased risk to grind their teeth, and should seek treatment for this condition to potentially improve their bruxism [2].

Stress and Anxiety

Many cases of teeth grinding are suspected to be caused by stress [3]. People who experience chronic stress or suffer from an anxiety disorder may be more likely to grind their teeth either while asleep or awake.

Taking steps to reduce your stress and anxiety may help improve your bruxism; however, while you seek treatment, getting a mouthguard from your dentist is essential to protect your teeth from further damage.

Sleep Disorders

The link between bruxism and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been well documented. People who have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea are more likely to experience bruxism.

Fortunately, research suggests that treating sleep apnea may help eliminate bruxism entirely [4]. If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other Causes

Other research has linked teeth grinding to tobacco use, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse [5]. The reason for this isn’t exactly clear, but the association could mean people who use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are more likely to grind their teeth.

Caffeine consumption has also been linked to bruxism, suggesting that people who suffer from teeth grinding may want to reduce or eliminate their caffeine consumption in the hours before bed to potentially help the disorder.

Don’t Ignore Bruxism!

Bruxism can wear down teeth over time, leading to flattened or shortened teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even teeth fractures. An exam with your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth and help uncover the cause to stop your bruxism and protect your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529927/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/A_new_way_for_TMJ
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592147
5. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30541-4/fulltext

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But how exactly does your sleep schedule impact your dental health? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to getting proper sleep and your tooth and gum health!

Lack of Sleep Could Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease

Sleep deprivation can affect your risk for gum disease and even influence the severity of gum disease [2]. Researchers suspect the link here is inflammation—when the body doesn’t get enough sleep, it tends to produce more inflammatory hormones.

Inflammation is a key component in gum disease, as it can cause the gums to swell and become irritated, usually as the result of bacteria that’s accumulated around the gumline. However, lack of sleep can cause gum disease to become worse—and cause the need for more advanced treatment to reverse the condition.

Sleep Keeps the Immune System Strong

Your immune system plays an important role in fighting off potential oral infections such as gum disease and even oral thrush. Fortunately, sleep helps keep the immune system strong to be able to defend the body against such infections [3].

When you don’t get enough sleep, whether due to an irregular sleep schedule or a hectic lifestyle, you effectively lower your immunity and make your oral cavity more susceptible to problems.

Disrupted or Poor Sleep Can Impact Oral Health

People who experience disrupted sleep are at an increased risk to experience poor oral health, according to research [4]. A prime example of this is people who snore or have sleep apnea—their mouth breathing and consistently interrupted sleep makes proper rest impossible, leading to lower immunity and a higher risk for oral health problems.

Mouth breathing such as that seen in sleep apnea or in people who snore can also dry out the oral cavity and lead to an increased risk for cavities. Fortunately, seeking treatment for sleep apnea can help lower your risk!

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Consistency is important when it comes to sleep—while everyone is different, a good general rule is to get a minimum of seven hours every night. Ideally, you should wake up and go to bed at the same time to maintain your schedule.

If you have trouble sleeping, reducing your caffeine and sugar intake at least two hours before bed, avoiding bright lights (especially blue light emitted from electronic devices), and sleeping in a cool, dark room may help improve your sleep quality. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for more than just your body—your teeth and gums will thank you as well!

Sources:
1. http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-and-
disease-risk
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520116/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256323/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5536213/

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During OSA, the airway collapses and produces pauses in breathing that can last for a minute or
longer. People will wake up gasping for air, although they may not remember these episodes as
they happen during sleep.

In children, boys and girls have the same risk for sleep apnea. Children ages 3-6 are more likely
to have the disorder, although only between two to four percent of children suffer from OSA
[1].

What are some of the risk factors for childhood sleep apnea? The following conditions may
predispose your child to developing this harmful sleep disorder.

Children with Certain Facial Features

Children who have specific facial characteristics may be more prone to develop sleep apnea.
These characteristics include having smaller nostrils, having been born with cleft palate, or
having a smaller jaw [2].

These facial features can lead to an inhibited airway during sleep, increasing your child’s risk for
obstructive sleep apnea. Signs of sleep apnea include snoring, daytime fatigue, and behavioral
problems in younger children.

Down Syndrome

Children who have Down syndrome are more likely to have OSA. These children may have
smaller airway passages and enlarged tongues or tonsils which may lead to the development of
OSA. Weak muscle tone in the upper airway could also increase your child’s risk for sleep apnea
[3].

Children with Down syndrome are also more prone to obesity that could lead to trouble
breathing. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for developing OSA as excessive weight
around the neck can cause the airway to collapse during sleep.

Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular diseases—conditions that affect the muscles and the nerves that control their
movements—can predispose children to OSA.

These include conditions such as muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, Guillain-Barre
Syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorder [4]. If your child has a neuromuscular
disease in combination with signs of sleep apnea, it’s time to seek an evaluation from a sleep
specialist.

Children Who Have Tonsillitis

Children with a history of swollen tonsils may experience a collapsed airway during sleep that
could lead to OSA. If your child has tonsillitis, ask your doctor or dentist about their risk for
sleep apnea during their next appointment.

Family History

Having a family history of sleep apnea can put your child at risk to develop the disorder. If you
or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea, let your child’s pediatrician or dentist
know so you can be aware if your child is at risk to develop the disorder.

Don’t Wait to Seek Help

It’s important to seek help for your child’s sleep apnea and not wait for your child to “grow out”
of the disorder. While it’s possible that some children may not have OSA as they get older, the
condition is very damaging while it lasts and could have long-lasting effects on your child’s
cognition and mood [5].

Getting help from your child’s dentist or pediatrician is paramount. Dentists frequently come
into contact with OSA and can refer you to a sleep specialist for a diagnosis if she or she
believes a sleep disorder is present.

Schedule an appointment with your child-friendly dentist today to discuss the risks of OSA for
your child!

Sources:

1. http://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders-by-category/sleep-breathing-disorders/child-sleep-apnea/symptoms-risk-factors
2. https://nyulangone.org/conditions/sleep-apnea-in-children/diagnosis
3. https://www.ndss.org/resources/obstructive-sleep-apnea-syndrome/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18534877
5. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-news/sleep-apnea-children-lead-changes-mood-cognition/

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So what exactly does your nightly snoring mean? Here’s why you might not want to ignore
snoring, especially if this habit is disrupting your life.

Sleep Apnea

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. Although there are three
different types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. Obstructive
sleep apnea happens when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked when sleeping,
which can lead to snoring.

When OSA is present, a person will actually stop breathing during the night and the body will
wake itself up to begin breathing regularly again. This stopping and starting of breathing can be
very jarring for the body and has the potential to lead to a variety of unpleasant health
symptoms.

Conditions Linked to Sleep Apnea

When the body pauses breathing so many times during sleep, oxygen levels in the blood drop.
Since sleep apnea causes the body undue stress due to cessation of breathing, several different
chronic health conditions have been associated with sleep apnea. These include:

 Heart disease
 Headaches
 High blood pressure
 Stroke
 Obesity
 Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
 Diabetes

Since many sufferers of sleep apnea also feel very fatigued during the day, there is an increased
chance for accidents such as car accidents during waking hours.

While not everyone who snores will have sleep apnea—and not everyone who has sleep apnea
will snore—it’s imperative to attain a proper diagnosis for your symptoms before jumping to
conclusions or receiving any type of treatment.

What Else Could Snoring Mean?

Snoring doesn’t always mean sleep apnea is present. Snoring can be caused by uniquely formed
nasal passages, such as people who have a deviated septum, who may be more prone to
snoring.

People who frequently have sinus infections may also be more likely to snore. Having muscles
in the throat that relax too much—which can be caused by medications such as narcotics as
well as alcohol consumption—can also cause the airway to collapse during sleep.

Being overweight is also a risk factor for snoring, as excess tissue around the neck and throat
can depress the airway while sleeping.

In order to discover the true cause of your snoring, the first step is often the dentist. Dentists
often come into contact with sleep apnea and while they can talk with you about your
symptoms, you’ll be referred to a sleep specialist for an official diagnosis.

Your dentist can, however, assist you with treating sleep apnea with oral appliances, which help
to keep the airway open during sleep, stop your cessation of breathing, and over time, decrease
your symptoms. Are you worried that you suffer from sleep apnea as a result of snoring? Don’t
wait to get your symptoms evaluated—you can start feeling better with the right treatment!

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When it comes to mouthguards, you have a couple of options: the first is to buy one at the store, which tends to be relatively inexpensive and is easy enough to pick up. Your second option is to get a custom-fit mouthguard at your dentist’s office.

Why would you opt for a custom-fit mouthguard from your dentist? Here’s why you should absolutely invest in a custom mouthguard for your child!

Better Protect Your Child

Custom mouthguards offer an advanced level of protection that store-bought ones just can’t provide. A custom-fit mouthguard is made to specifically fit your child’s mouth and to protect each tooth. Generic, store-bought mouthguards are usually one-size-fits-all, and no two people have the same mouth!

Store-bought mouthguards are also less durable and tend to wear out quickly, meaning you’ll need to replace them more often in order to keep protecting your child’s smile. With custom-fit mouthguards from your dentist, the strength and durability of these quality mouthguards will protect your child’s smile for seasons to come.

Custom-Fit Means More Comfort

Since custom-fit mouthguards are made just for your child, they fit perfectly and tend to be much more comfortable than generic mouthguards. Often bulky and too big, store-bought mouthguards can be uncomfortable at best and painful at worst, making it less likely that your child will actually wear it during sports.

Even worse, these mouthguards have the potential to hinder your child’s breathing. When you invest in a custom-fit mouthguard, your child can breathe properly, eliminate distraction during sports, and fully protect your child’s smile.

Prevent Injury to the Head and Mouth

Custom-fit mouthguards provide the best protection for your child. They are made to properly absorb the impact of a blow to keep your child’s teeth safe. In fact, some research shows that mouthguards may actually be able to prevent concussions by absorbing the blow and preventing your child’s jaw or skull from being injured.

When you consider that a custom-fit mouthguard is your best chance to protect your child’s teeth from injury, it makes sense to make the investment. Often, these mouthguards are more affordable than people think and when you consider dental work or an emergency room visit if your child’s mouth is injured, they seem very affordable indeed!

Are you considering a custom mouthguard for your child’s sport season? You can schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options. When it comes to your child’s smile, you can provide them with the utmost level of protection and keep them comfortable and safe during sports, making the season fun for everyone!

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People who experience problems with their TMJ typically feel pain, hear popping or clicking
sounds when moving their jaw, or have a variety of other symptoms that can severely impact
their quality of life.

Since the TMJ is responsible for everything from eating to talking, the pain of having a TMJ
disorder is difficult to avoid. What are the consequences of leaving your TMJ disorder
untreated?

Head, Neck, and Shoulder Pain

One of the symptoms TMJ disorders cause is tension in the jaw muscles. When the joint isn’t
able to work properly, the surrounding muscles can become stiff and sore. If the muscles that
are responsible for your jaw are tense, this tension can radiate outwards to cause pain in the
surrounding area.

Headaches are common in those who have a TMJ disorder, but so is neck pain, upper back pain,
and even shoulder pain. Without treatment, your tense jaw muscles can continue to affect your
body and result in chronic tension or pain.

Earaches

Because the TMJ is so close to the ears, problems with this joint can result in earaches, tinnitus,
or recurring ear infections. Some sufferers of TMJ also experience problems hearing, vertigo, or
general ear pain.

Problems with the inner ear can result in a variety of symptoms, so don’t overlook your TMJ as
the cause if you’re consistently experiencing problems with your ears with no definite cause!

Jaw Pain

TMJ can lead to problems with the jaw that are painful and can cause permanent damage. For
instance, if arthritis is causing your TMJ pain, the cartilage in your TMJ is at risk to be damaged.
Tense muscles can cause a locked jaw, dislocation of the jaw, or general chronic jaw pain.

Since the jaw is involved in many activities—from yawning to eating to speaking—this jaw pain
is often chronic and unavoidable, making it an aggravating, persistent symptom for people who
live with TMJ problems.

Impacted Quality of Life

As a result of the constant pain of your TMJ disorder, you may find yourself reaching more
often for pain medication. Whether over-the-counter or prescription, these medications can
have a range of effects on the body if overused.

In addition, you may not be able to concentrate, have trouble sleeping, or feel depressed
because of your constant pain and discomfort. People who live with TMJ disorders can
experience an impacted quality of life as a result of their symptoms.

These consequences of untreated TMJ disorders are entirely treatable! Many of the causes of
TMJ pain can be treated without invasive means such as surgery. There’s no reason to let your
TMJ pain prevent you from enjoying life and being your best self. Schedule an appointment
with your dentist today to learn what treatments are available for your TMJ pain!

The post What Are the Consequences of Untreated TMJ? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.