Does your partner’s snoring keep you awake at night? Do you snore?
Do you feel sleepy or tired during the day even though you think you had a good night’s
sleep?
Do you ever wake up with headaches?
Do you feel irritable or have difficulty concentrating?
Has your doctor told you that your blood pressure is too high?
Have you ever heard of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
As your trusted dentists, we know we can improve not only your oral health, but also your overall health. We do this by providing comprehensive care that goes beyond just your teeth and gums. Today, we’ll delve into a topic that is less widely known to be associated with dentistry and plays a crucial role in your overall health.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing
All of the above symptoms have been linked to Sleep-Disordered Breathing. This term is used to describe a whole range of sleep-related breathing disorders.
Most people are familiar with dental issues like cavities and gum disease, however fewer are aware of the impact that sleep-related breathing disorders can have on their overall health. Sleep-Disordered Breathing includes conditions that disrupt the natural flow of breathing during sleep, leading to potentially serious consequences.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder. Modern research indicates it’s highly prevalent and grossly underdiagnosed.
OSA is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing due to a partial or complete collapse of the airway. This happens when someone goes into a deep sleep and their muscles which usually hold the airway open, relax. As the muscles relax, this results in collapse or blockage of the airway. In turn, this causes a temporary pause in breathing and interruption of the person’s sleep. So, they basically have to wake up in order to breathe again. The obstruction is often accompanied by loud snoring or choking sounds as the person struggles to resume normal breathing.
The Dental Connection
Are you wondering, what does this have to do with dentistry?
Interestingly, the oral cavity and its structures play a significant role in the development and management of OSA and SDB.
The airway starts at the nose and mouth
We, as dentists are perfectly positioned to assess the oral structures that contribute to airway obstruction. This may include noticing large tonsils, a narrow palate or other factors such as a retruded lower jaw. Any, or a combination of these can increase the risk of airway collapse during sleep.
Where to from here?
OSA can affect the body in many different ways, in particular it can cause physiological changes which negatively impact the cardiovascular system, i.e., heart, blood pressure and risk of stroke.
Importantly of note, people with untreated OSA are clearly at increased risk of having a motor vehicle accident! The increased risk of crashing has been reported to be higher than 4 times!
Once we’ve determined someone has some symptoms and risk factors for OSA, we partner with your GP to organise a sleep study and get a definitive diagnosis. Then we can offer effective solutions through the use of oral appliances. Stay tuned for part 2 in the next blog where we’ll discuss treatment options like mandibular advancement splints which work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to prevent airway constriction.
Understanding the connection between dentistry and OSA is important for comprehensive healthcare. At Define Dental, our commitment goes beyond simple oral health concerns to encompass your overall well-being. If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, please reach out and call on 55972100. Together, we’ll explore effective solutions to ensure a restful, rejuvenating sleep night after night.