Understanding Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, collapsing the airway and blocking airflow. When the brain senses a lack of oxygen, it briefly rouses you so that you resume breathing—often with a loud gasp or snort. These micro-arousals may happen dozens of times per hour, disrupting sleep architecture and preventing restorative rest.

Sleep Apnea and Other Sleep Disorders

• There are six major categories of sleep disorders:
• • Insomnias: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• • Hypersomnias: Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep.
• • Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders: Obstructive or central sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
• • Circadian Rhythm Sleep–Wake Disorders: Misalignment between the body’s internal clock and external environment.
• • Parasomnias: Unwanted events during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors—often worsened by intermittent breathing.
• • Sleep Movement Disorders: Involuntary movements that disrupt sleep, such as restless leg syndrome.
• Obstructive sleep apnea falls under sleep-related breathing disorders. Its repeated airway blockages can trigger or worsen parasomnias (nightmares, acting out dreams) and daytime hypersomnia (persistent fatigue).

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Common factors that contribute to airway obstruction include: • Flaccid throat muscles and soft tissues collapsing during sleep. • Enlarged tongue or tonsils crowding the airway. • Narrowed jaw or small lower jaw (micrognathia), reducing the space for the tongue. • Obesity—excess fatty tissue around the neck narrows the airway. • Smoking, alcohol, or sedative use—further relax airway muscles. Dentists may detect early warning signs such as bruxism (teeth grinding), worn tooth enamel, receding gums, or bite misalignment—each of which can point to nighttime airway stress.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea

• Some individuals are more at risk, including:
• • Men over 40 (though women and younger people can also be affected).
• • Overweight or obese patients.
• • Those with a family history of sleep apnea.
• • Smokers and heavy alcohol users.
• Be alert for these signs:
• • Loud, habitual snoring punctuated by gasps or choking during sleep.
• • Excessive daytime sleepiness—even after a full night’s rest.
• • Morning headaches or sore throat upon waking.
• • Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or mood changes.
• • High blood pressure or heart palpitations.
• Children may show different symptoms, such as bedwetting, behavioral issues, or poor school performance due to fragmented sleep.

Treating Sleep Apnea

Once diagnosed—often via home sleep testing or an in-lab polysomnogram—treatment options depend on severity: • Oral Appliances – Custom-fitted devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These are discreet, portable, and ideal for mild to moderate OSA. • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – A mask delivers constant air pressure to splint the airway open. Highly effective for moderate to severe cases, though some patients find compliance challenging. • Lifestyle Modifications – Weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed can reduce airway collapse. • Surgical Options – Procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), or hypoglossal nerve stimulation may be recommended when conservative therapies fail. At Desert Bloom Dentistry, we specialize in oral appliance therapy. After taking digital impressions and a sleep evaluation, we fit you with an appliance and verify its effectiveness with a follow-up sleep study. Regular adjustments ensure comfort and optimal airway patency.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I still travel if I have sleep apnea? A: Yes. Most oral appliances are compact and do not require electricity. If you use CPAP, travel-friendly machines and battery packs are available. Always carry your device in your carry-on bag.
• Q: What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea? A: Chronic OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and daytime accidents from fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce these risks.
• Q: Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea? A: Not necessarily. Occasional snoring can occur without OSA. However, loud snoring that is interrupted by gasps or choking sounds, accompanied by daytime sleepiness, often signals OSA and warrants evaluation.
• Q: How common is sleep apnea? A: The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates over 20 million Americans have OSA, with up to 80% of moderate and severe cases undiagnosed. Screening at the dentist can catch early signs in high-risk patients.
• Q: Can sleep apnea be cured? A: There is no permanent cure, but many people achieve symptom control with oral appliances, CPAP therapy, weight management, or surgery. Regular follow-up and adherence to treatment lead to long-term success.

Dental Terminology

• Bruxism – Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often associated with sleep apnea.
• Gingival Recession – Gum tissue that has pulled away from the tooth surface, sometimes signaled by OSA-related bruxism.
• Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) – An oral appliance that shifts the lower jaw forward to maintain airway patency.
• Night Guard – A protective oral device to reduce tooth wear; can double as a mild sleep apnea appliance.
• Polysomnogram – Comprehensive sleep study recording physiological parameters to diagnose OSA.
• Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder – A category of sleep conditions where breathing is disrupted, including obstructive sleep apnea.