According to a 2014 study, around 5.4 million Canadian adults have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are at a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, which can lead to a range of health problems. Fortunately, dentists can help manage sleep apnea, often in collaboration with medical professionals.
How do dentists help diagnose and manage sleep apnea?
The role of dentists in sleep apnea treatment may come as a surprise to those hearing it for the first time. But their expertise makes them a crucial part of the process.
As patients go to them at least twice a year for routine oral examinations, this puts them in the ideal position to recognize and identify potential risk factors for sleep apnea.
Dentists can also determine whether a person can be referred for further sleep apnea-related assessments by asking a series of questions. They can help determine which appliances are effective.
Sleep apnea management options at the dental office
Let’s explore further how dentists can help with sleep apnea.
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Oral appliances.
One of the most common ways that dentists help manage sleep apnea is by fitting patients with oral appliances. Dental devices can be classified into mandibular devices, mouthguards, or tongue-retaining devices.
Mandibular devices are worn over the lower and upper teeth and help position the lower jaw forward while you sleep. Mouthguards also seek to reposition the lower jaw and can be customized at the dental office. Some options are available over the counter, but they don't offer the same benefits as the former. Finally, as their name suggests, tongue-retaining devices focus on repositioning the tongue during sleep so it doesn't interfere with proper airflow.
These devices are all custom-made to fit comfortably in the mouth. They help maintain an open airway by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, preventing the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and obstructing breathing during sleep.
Each device has its pros and cons, so consulting with your dentist and physician is crucial to identifying an effective solution.
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Maxillofacial surgery.
In some cases, maxillofacial surgery may be recommended to help improve breathing during sleep. This procedure involves repositioning the upper and lower jaws to expand airways. While surgery isn’t always necessary, it may be an option for severe cases of sleep apnea. Often, it’s considered if other options for treating the condition have been unsuccessful or uncomfortable for a patient.
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CPAP alternatives.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. However, some patients find it uncomfortable and difficult to use consistently. Dentists can offer alternatives like positional therapy to help manage sleep apnea for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Positional therapy is a behavioral strategy used to encourage side sleeping and minimize sleep apnea symptoms. One strategy involves the use of a tennis ball attached to the back of the clothes to keep a person from rolling over during sleep.
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Customized treatment plans.
Since sleep apnea can vary greatly in terms of severity and symptoms, having a customized treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient is crucial. Dental professionals work with sleep specialists and medical professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each patient.
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Routine dental check-ups.
Many people with sleep apnea also suffer from dental problems like dry mouth and tooth decay. Routine dental check-ups can help identify and treat these issues before they escalate. Furthermore, dentists can educate patients on oral hygiene practices that can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve overall health.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires specialized treatment. Dentists can play a crucial role in managing sleep apnea by providing patients with oral appliances, offering CPAP alternatives, creating custom treatment plans, and addressing dental concerns related to the disorder.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, be sure to consult with a dental professional to learn more about your options for effective management and treatment.
Other sources:
- Sleep laboratory test referrals in Canada: Sleep Apnea Rapid Response Survey
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3938242/# - The Role of Dentists in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Consensus and Controversy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5612624/ - Dental appliances for sleep apnea: Do they work?
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-appliances-for-sleep-apnea-do-they-work-2021042822476 - Maxillomandibular Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
https://www.pennmedicine.org/-/media/documents%20and%20audio/non%20patient%20instructions/sleep%20medicine/penn_mma_booklet_v5%20(1).ashx# - Positional therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6491901/# - Usage of Positional Therapy in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.4458