Oral Appliance Therapy
Although snoring is often joked and can be a nuisance to those around us, it’s important to realise that it can have serious consequences for our health and well-being. Many people are unaware that snoring is not just a social issue, but it can also affect their overall health.
What is Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate and create a sound. Snoring can be a harmless condition, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.
What are the effects of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens because the muscles in the throat and tongue relax too much, causing the airway to become blocked. Sleep apnea can be mild, moderate, or severe and can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Some common sign of sleep apnea are loud persistent snoring during sleep, pauses in breathing or gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating or morning headaches.
Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Because of a lack of restorative sleep at night, people with obstructive sleep apnea often have severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. They might have difficulty concentrating and find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving.
Cardiovascular problems
Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during obstructive sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes.
Cardiovascular problems
Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during obstructive sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes.
Weight Gain
Obstructive sleep apnea can also contribute to weight gain and obesity. Research has shown that approximately 40 percent of the people living with obesity also have obstructive sleep apnea, and 70 percent of people with obstructive sleep apnea are obese. Lack of sleep due to sleep apnea likely be causing weight gain, and the more excessive weight you carry- the worse you sleep apnea becomes.
Eye problems
Some research has found a connection between obstructive sleep apnea and certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma. Eye complications can usually be treated.
Sleep-deprived partners
Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting good rest and eventually disrupt your relationships. Some partners choose to sleep in another room.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
One effective treatment for sleep apnea is Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) which treat snoring and sleep apnea through custom-made devices for the patient’s mouth and teeth. They are non-invasive, safe, and easy to use; unlike surgery which involves permanent changes to your throat and airway. Studies have shown that MADs are highly effective in reducing snoring and improving sleep apnea symptoms. They are also more cost-effective than surgery, making them a more accessible option.
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs) are dental appliances designed to treat sleep apnea and snoring. They are typically custom-made by a dentist or orthodontist, and are made of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable to wear. We often recommended TRDs to people who have tried other treatments without success, are avoiding surgery or for those who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Myofunctional Therapy
One effective treatment for sleep apnea is Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) which treat snoring and sleep apnea through custom-made devices for the patient’s mouth and teeth. They are non-invasive, safe, and easy to use; unlike surgery which involves permanent changes to your throat and airway. Studies have shown that MADs are highly effective in reducing snoring and improving sleep apnea symptoms. They are also more cost-effective than surgery, making them a more accessible option.
Are you at risk? Take Our Sleep Apnea Quiz
Do you doze off easily during the day? Daytime drowsiness may be a sign that you should be evaluated by a sleep physician for obstructive sleep apnea. Take this brief quiz and Contact Dental Sleep Care for more information.
Contact Dental Sleep Care of Hyderabad
Please Contact Us for your consultation or ask your physician to refer you to Dental Sleep Care of Hyderabad. We want you to enjoy a restful sleep again.