What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea refers to interrupted breathing during sleep. There are a number of potential causes, but the most common is mild to severe enlargement of the uvula. The uvula is the soft tissue that hangs from the middle of the soft palate. This enlargement blocks the airway, causing pauses or periods of shallow breathing.

The pauses in breathing can reach as long as 30 seconds. This leads to a disruption in sleep, which can result in daytime sleepiness. In fact, those with sleep apnea often wake up multiple times throughout the night. This not only prevents them from getting quality rest, but also raises their risk for drowsy driving accidents.

What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, you may wake up several times a night gasping or choking. In addition, you may experience daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or chronic dry mouth.

What causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is most commonly caused by an obstruction or blockage of the airway. This can be due to several different factors:

1. Genetics - If family members have sleep apnea, you may have a greater chance of developing it.

2. Overweight and obesity - Excess weight around the neck can cause the airway to become obstructed.

3. Smoking - Smoking cigarettes can irritate the airway, causing swelling. This can cause the airway to become obstructed.

How is Sleep Apnea diagnosed?

A dentist can diagnose sleep apnea during a routine dental exam. During your dental appointment, the dentist will monitor you while you sleep. The dentist uses a small device to monitor your breathing and snoring. If you have a mild case of sleep apnea, you may not snore at all. But, you will still experience irregular breathing throughout the night.

A more definitive diagnosis can only be made in a sleep lab. During a sleep study, you will be hooked up to a monitor so that the dentist can monitor your breathing and heart rate. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the dentist will prescribe a CPAP machine.

How is Sleep Apnea treated?

If a patient has mild to moderate sleep apnea, they may be able to have it treated with an oral appliance. Worn during sleep, the oral appliance moves the lower jaw into a forward position, keeping the airway open and minimizing the effects of sleep apnea.

What treatments are available for Sleep Apnea?

There are a few options for treating Sleep Apnea. The first is using a CPAP machine. This machine uses air pressure to keep your airways open while you sleep. Another option is to use a splint to help keep your mouth closed while you sleep. You could also try losing weight. This can help cure mild forms of sleep apnea.

How can I

Many patients use CPAP to treat or manage their condition. However, not everyone can tolerate this type of treatment. A dentist might instead recommend a custom oral appliance designed to position the jaw in a way that prevents the airway from becoming blocked.