Certain dog breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, are prone to developing sleep apnea due to their short snouts and narrow airways.
a loud, harsh sound made during sleep caused by the vibration of tissues in the airway.
involuntary movements of the jaw and teeth during sleep that can lead to dental problems and jaw pain.
a wavy or ridged appearance of the tongue caused by pressure from the teeth during sleep.
a condition where the roof of the mouth is narrow, which can contribute to breathing difficulties and sleep apnea.
breathing through the mouth instead of the nose during sleep, which can lead to dry mouth and other complications.
a persistent feeling of drowsiness and fatigue during waking hours, which can impair daily activities.
difficulty with memory and concentration, which can be a result of poor sleep quality due to sleep apnea.
frequent awakenings or disruptions during sleep, which can lead to fatigue and other sleep-related symptoms.
headaches that occur in the morning and are often accompanied by fatigue, which can be a symptom of sleep apnea.
high blood pressure, which is a common comorbidity of sleep apnea.
sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can be worsened by sleep apnea.
sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of depression and other mood disorders.
Treatment for sleep apnea not only benefits your sleep, but it can also improve your dental health!
There are 3 stages of sleep apnea: mild, moderate, and severe. Sleep apnea severity is measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Apnea occurs when oxygen stops for 10 seconds or more while hypopnea is the decrease of oxygen. AHI is calculated by adding the number of apneas and hypopneas and dividing this by the number of hours slept. Mild sleep apnea corresponds to an AHI of 5-15. Moderate sleep apnea corresponds to an AHI of 15-30. Severe sleep apnea corresponds to an AHI of >30.
A sleep appliance is a great alternative for patients with mild sleep apnea, moderate sleep apnea, or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Many patients are unable to tolerate the bulkiness, design, and position of the CPAP, so they opt for a sleep appliance instead. If you suffer from severe sleep apnea, a CPAP is always recommended first.
A sleep appliance advances the mandible and associated soft tissues. By preventing collapsibility, it supports the hyoid bone and increases muscle tone. It also encourages the base of the tongue to be repositioned anteriorly.
Oral appliances, or mandibular repositioning devices, are fabricated in different labs. The most common appliances are Prosomnus, Somnomed, Herbst, and Panthera.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, daily exercise, avoiding alcohol, etc.), positional therapy, sleep hygiene, pharmacological treatment, and surgery. Additionally, expansion of the teeth in the maxilla and mandible using Invisalign helps in creating more room for the tongue and airway. This often leads to decreasing symptoms.
Sleep breathing disorders can occur in patients of all ages.
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