Sleep apnea comes from the Greek word “apnoia,” meaning “without breath.” It refers to a cycle of starting and stopping breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea can be central, obstructive, or a mixture of both.
OSA is the most common. It happens when the throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway when sleeping. The stoppage in breathing happens for a scary 10 seconds or more! When the brain senses oxygen deprivation, it briefly awakens the body to restore breathing. As you drift again to sleep, another apneic episode strikes before you reach your deep, restorative sleep. These fragmented sleep patterns cause chronic fatigue despite a full night’s sleep.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
Although only a trained doctor can diagnose you with sleep apnea, watch out for the following warning signs.
- Morning headaches
- Irritability or mood changes
- Fragmented sleep/frequent awakenings at night
- Loud and chronic snoring
- Low sex drive
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Choking or gasping for air when sleeping
- Clouded memory
What happens if my OSA goes untreated?
OSA is a severe sleep disorder. If left untreated, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic complications. OSA also causes diminished concertation at work and on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation, symptom review, and specialized tests. The doctor discusses symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches. We’ll also check for risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or anatomical abnormalities in the throat and nasal passages. The definitive diagnosis for sleep apnea is through a sleep exam at home or a sleep center. The exam monitors brain activity, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and limb movements to identify apnea episodes.
How do we treat sleep apnea?
Many medical practitioners treat sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, which uses a mask to deliver a constant stream of air past the airway. CPAPs work, but many patients drop their treatment because of noise, discomfort, and irritability.
We offer oral appliance therapy (OAT) for anyone who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. OAT uses a custom-designed oral device to reposition the tongue and lower jaw to keep the airway open. An oral splint for sleep apnea is effective for mild to moderate OSA. When used as directed, it won’t take long before you start enjoying good sleep and a better quality of life.
Many patients love OAT because it offers several benefits, including:
- Portability
- It’s comfortable
- Easy to use
- It’s noiseless
- Simple maintenance
- It doesn’t need electricity to work
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
What causes sleep apnea to develop?
Sleep apnea often develops due to a combination of factors that affect how air moves through the upper airway during sleep. Common causes include excess tissue in the throat, obesity, nasal congestion, or a naturally narrow airway. Sometimes, the tongue or soft palate collapses backward, temporarily blocking airflow. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol use and smoking can worsen the condition by relaxing throat muscles or inflaming air passages. Genetic factors and aging can also increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea over time.
Can lifestyle changes help reduce the severity of sleep apnea?
Yes. For many individuals, lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve symptoms of sleep apnea. Weight management, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed can help keep the airway open. Sleeping on your side rather than your back may prevent the tongue and soft tissues from blocking airflow. Maintaining good nasal hygiene to reduce congestion and establishing a consistent sleep schedule can also enhance sleep quality. While these changes may not replace medical treatment, they often complement professional care effectively.
Is oral appliance therapy effective for severe sleep apnea?
Oral appliance therapy is typically most effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, it can still provide meaningful improvement in some severe cases, especially for individuals who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. The device helps reposition the lower jaw and tongue to improve airflow. Your dentist may recommend combining oral appliance therapy with other strategies—such as weight management or positional therapy—for enhanced results in more advanced cases.
What is the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes physically blocked during sleep, despite continued breathing effort. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, results from a communication issue between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. While obstructive sleep apnea is far more common, some patients experience a combination of both types, known as complex sleep apnea. Proper diagnosis helps ensure that each form is treated appropriately for long-term health and comfort.
Can dental appliances for sleep apnea improve snoring?
Yes. Custom oral appliances designed for sleep apnea often reduce or eliminate snoring. These appliances help maintain a clear airway and smoother airflow by repositioning the jaw and preventing tissue collapse. Many partners of snorers notice immediate improvements, allowing both individuals to enjoy more restful, uninterrupted sleep. It’s important to have these devices professionally fitted to achieve maximum comfort and effectiveness.
How long does it take to adjust to an oral appliance?
Most patients adapt to their oral appliance within a few nights to a few weeks. Initially, you may experience mild jaw tightness or increased saliva flow, but these effects typically fade as your mouth adjusts. Regular follow-up visits allow your dentist to fine-tune the fit for optimal comfort and performance. Once accustomed, patients often find the appliance easy to wear and appreciate how discreet and travel-friendly it is compared to a CPAP machine.
What are the long-term benefits of treating sleep apnea?
Treating sleep apnea improves more than just sleep quality—it enhances overall health and well-being. Patients often experience increased daytime energy, sharper concentration, and better mood regulation. More importantly, treatment helps reduce the risk of serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Over time, restoring normal breathing patterns during sleep can contribute to a healthier heart, improved metabolism, and a significantly higher quality of life.
Is there sleep apnea treatment near me?
Sleep apnea can diminish your sleep, health, and quality of life. Don't let sleep apnea take control of your life. Call (703) 952-0663 and reserve a consultation with Avanti Dentistry.
Sleep Apnea & Oral Health Connection
Hi, I am Dr. Fotini Chrisopoulos a top Washingtonian Prosthodontist is SMILE Expert, also known as Fotini. Do you know that sleep apnea can have impact on your oral health? First of all, when patients have sleep apnea, there are signs of bruxism and grinding their teeth. So a lot of times they have pain on their TMJ. You tend to have more dry mouth reduced saliva. A lot of patients wear the CPAP, that there’s not a lot of saliva, so they have increased risk for gum disease and also for cavities. In my office, I am specialty trained to help patients with their sleep apnea, but fabricating oral appliances, their feet on the upper lower teeth, and they are able to wear just that oral device without having to wear the CPAP. So a lot of my patients prefer that, especially if they’re traveling or they don’t want to have all that gadget over their head. So if you want to make an appointment to discuss about FDA approved appliances that can’t help with your sleep apnea, please click the link on the bio.
