Sleep Apnea: Understanding its Causes and Possible Dental Treatments

Sleep apnea is quite a common but potentially serious sleep disorder wherein breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. It is characterized by loud snoring, gasping for air, and pauses in breathing that can last for seconds to minutes. This condition affects around 30 million 

Americans, and if it's left untreated, sleep apnea can result in certain health complications, such ash blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

So, what causes sleep apnea? In this blog post, we will explore the different factors that contribute to this condition and discuss possible dental treatments:

Among the most significant risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity or excess weight. Excessive body fat can accumulate around the neck and obstruct the airway, causing breathing difficulties during sleep. According to studies, individuals who are overweight or obese are likelier to develop sleep apnea, and losing weight can significantly improve the symptoms.

The airway can also narrow due to various factors, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a 

deviated septum, or a small jawbone. When the airway is narrow, it becomes more susceptible to collapse, leading to sleep apnea episodes. Dental treatments, such as orthodontic appliances or surgery, can help widen the airway and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

Smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly contribute to sleep apnea, too, by relaxing the muscles in the throat and impairing the brain's ability to control breathing during sleep. People who smoke or consume alcohol regularly are at a much higher risk of dengveloping sleep apnea, and quitting these habits can significantly improve the symptoms.

Sleep apnea can also be hereditary, meaning it can run in families. If one or both parents have sleep apnea, their children are likelier to develop it. This is because certain physical traits, such as a small jaw or a big tongue, can be passed down from parents to children, increasing the risk of airway obstruction during sleep.

Sleep apnea is actually more common in men than women, and it tends to occur more frequently in people over 40. This is because as people age, their muscles and tissues become weaker, making them more susceptible to airway obstruction during sleep.

The most common treatment approach for sleep apnea is perhaps the use of continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP, which involves the wearing of a mask which delivers pressurized air to make sure the airway is open during sleep. However, some people find this treatment uncomfortable or inconvenient and may not use it consistently.

Dental treatments can be an effective alternative or adjunct to CPAP for certain patients with sleep apnea. These treatments aim to widen the airway and improve breathing during sleep, reducing the frequency and severity of apnea episodes.

Oral appliances are custom-made devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep. They work by repositioning the person's jaw and tongue to prevent the airway from collapsing. Oral appliances are surprisingly comfortable, easy to use, and can be quite an effective treatment option for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Orthodontic treatment, including braces or clear aligners, can help widen the airway and improve breathing during sleep. By aligning the teeth and jaws properly, orthodontic treatment can create more space in the mouth and reduce the risk of airway obstruction. This treatment can especially benefit children and young adults with sleep apnea.

In severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be needed to open up the airway and improve breathing during sleep. Several surgical procedures can also be used to treat sleep apnea, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which involves the removal of the excess tissue from the throat, or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which involves moving the upper or lower jaw forward to create more space in the airway.

Sleep apnea is pretty common. That said, it's still a potentially serious sleep disorder that could have significant health consequences if left untreated. The causes of sleep apnea are numerous, including obesity, narrowed airway, smoking and alcohol consumption, family history, age, and gender. However, dental treatments such as oral appliances, orthodontic treatment, and surgery can be effective in widening the airway and improving breathing during sleep.

If you or one of your family shows symptoms of sleep apnea, it is essential to seek professional medical and dental advice to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Genesee Family Dentistry in Flint is a reliable dental clinic providing a variety of services, including dental treatment for sleep apnea . Our dentist in Flint suggests using a sleep apnea appliance as an alternative to a CPAP machine for individuals suffering from OSA. This appliance resembles a plastic nightguard used to prevent teeth grinding. Ask us more about this appliance. Schedule an appointment today!