Sleep Apnea is a serious health disorder that affects an individual’s sleep with breathing difficulties and a night of interrupted sleep. People suffering from sleep apnea have stopped breathing during their sleep. This may result in the brain and the rest of the body being denied enough oxygen. This may be caused when there is a physical blockage in the upper airway, and when the airway is blocked, a person will stop breathing. If sleep apnea is not treated on time, it may lead to heart disease and depression.
How can Sleep Apnea be treated?
- The treatment of sleep apnea will depend on the causes and severity of the condition. The treatment’s main focus will be to ensure normal breathing and treatment of any existing health issues. As a first step, breathing has to be normalized with certain lifestyle modifications.
- The person has to quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol and other beverages.
- If you are obese, try to lose excessive weight.
- Healthy sleeping routines should be followed.
- A healthy diet should be followed.
- Sleep apnea symptoms can be overcome with regular exercises.
- Avoid sleeping on your back; rather, try to sleep on your abdomen or sides.
How does a Dental Device help in Sleep Apnea?
A dental device is an oral appliance that is useful in treating sleep apnea, and such type of treatment is called oral appliance therapy. These appliances help treat mild to moderate symptoms of sleep apnea in a patient. The oral dental device looks and functions similarly to a mouthguard. When worn during sleep, it prevents the blockage of the airway. Such oral devices are available at a dental clinic and are intended to hold the lower jaw forward during sleep. Only a professional can fabricate, fit and adjust an oral appliance and treat the complications that may arise due to oral appliance therapy. These devices are fabricated scientifically and provide a good solution to treat sleep apnea.
What are the benefits of using dental devices for sleep apnea?
There are numerous benefits of using dental devices to treat sleep apnea.
- The patients get quickly adjusted to oral appliances within a week or so.
- With the help of these devices, you can avoid critical surgeries.
- It is an absolutely non-invasive procedure, and the whole treatment is straightforward.
- With oral appliance therapy, a patient gets relief from wearing a CPAP mask with some unpleasant side- effects.
- Since the devices are simple to use because of their small size and design, it becomes easier to travel with them.
What are the different kinds of dental devices available?
- Mandibular advancement device (MAD):These devices are similar to a mouth guard used by sportsmen. The devices snap over the upper and lower dental arches and consist of metal hinges that allow the lower jaw to be alleviated forward. Some devices like the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) will enable you to control the degree of advancement. It is the most universally used mouth device to treat sleep apnea.
- Tongue retaining device: This device consists of a splint that holds the tongue in place to keep the airway open. For people with sleep apnea, these kinds of dental appliances may help in improving their sleep.
