Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Teeth Clenching

What happens when snoring and sleep apnea are not treated?

Sleep matters! And, the truth is that there are real consequence for not treating health conditions such as sleep apnea.

Dental health and sleep are a very critical component in maintaining optimum wellness. Not treating sleep apnea and snoring can have serious consequences on your overall health and well-being.

Here are some of the potential consequences:

1. High blood pressure: Sleep apnea is a common cause of high blood pressure. When you stop breathing during sleep, it causes a stress response in the body, which can increase blood pressure.
2. Depression and anxiety: People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. Sleep disruption can affect mood and cognitive function, leading to a decline in mental health.
3. Heart disease: Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In particular, the drop in oxygen levels and the stress response that occur with sleep apnea can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels over time.
4. Daytime fatigue: Sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, which can affect your ability to function at work or at home. It addition, it can also increase your risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.
5. Reduced quality of life: Chronic snoring and sleep apnea can affect your quality of life, leading to reduced productivity, social isolation, and a decrease in overall enjoyment of life.
6. Diabetes: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The stress response caused by sleep apnea can lead to insulin resistance, which can contribute to the development of diabetes.

Snoring, on the other hand, often occurs as a result of sleep apnea, narrowing of the airway, or the airway being blocked. Also, loud snoring, or snoring that occurs long-term, could lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other health problems. Ultimately, not treating snoring and sleep apnea could lead to bigger problems.

What can dentists do for patients with sleep apnea and snoring?

Dentists can provide necessary support and treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring patients.  Furthermore, dentists can play an important role in the treatment of patients with sleep apnea and snoring. Here are some ways in which dentists can help:

1. Oral appliances: Dentists can design and fit custom oral appliances, such as a mandibular advancement device, to help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices are worn in the mouth and work by shifting the position of the jaw to keep the airway open.
2. CPAP masks: Dentists can help patients who use CPAP therapy by fitting them with a custom mask that is comfortable and properly fitted to reduce air leakage and improve adherence to treatment.
3. Referral for further evaluation: Dentists can refer patients for further evaluation by a sleep medicine specialist if they suspect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
4. Education and counseling: Dentists can educate patients about the risk factors and consequences of sleep apnea and snoring and provide counseling on lifestyle changes that can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

How are snoring and sleep apnea related?

According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea and snoring are closely related, as snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction in the airway, causing vibrations in the throat’s tissues as air passes through. This can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people who are overweight or obese and in men.

Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to a drop in oxygen levels in the blood. This happens when the airway becomes completely blocked, often due to the collapse of soft tissue in the throat. Thus, snoring is often the first sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

In summary, snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. If you or a loved one snores loudly and persistently, or if you suspect sleep apnea, it’s important to talk to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Is there a way to permanently fix sleep apnea and snoring?

Yes! Both sleep apnea and snoring can be treated. Likewise, there are also several effective treatments available to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. However, the best treatment approach will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.

In many cases, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can significantly reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. For more severe cases of sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth while you sleep, which delivers a constant stream of air pressure to keep the airway open. Oral appliances, surgery, and positional therapy may also be effective treatments for sleep apnea and snoring.