According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea affects about 25 million adults. Recent years have seen a drastic increase. This increase is likely caused by a spike in the obesity rate, which is a primary risk factor for developing sleep apnea. Fortunately, Dr. Chew can help diagnose and manage your sleep apnea in Fremont, CA.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the terminology for repeated pauses of breathing while you sleep. It can be a serious issue and requires treatment. The cause of sleep apnea is an obstruction that blocks the airway, which can occur for a variety of reasons we'll explain below.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three classifications of sleep apnea and each comes with its respective causes. While some are less severe than others, all of them are dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
According to the Mayo Clinic, obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is the most common form of sleep apnea. About 80% of people with sleep apnea have OSA. It's caused by unnecessary relaxation of the throat muscles, or some type of obstruction, which prevents inhalation. An enlarged tongue, enlarged tonsils, a thick neck, and malocclusion can also be the cause of obstructive sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central Sleep Apnea is a more serious but less common classification. CSA happens when the brain sends improper signals to the muscles in charge of breathing. This results in them not contracting or decompressing at safe, regular intervals.
Since CSA is a neurological problem, correction usually requires a CPAP machine or surgery. Dr. Chew will be able to recommend a trusted professional based on individual needs.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS)
Complex sleep apnea syndrome is the rarest form, but also the most dangerous. A person with complex sleep apnea syndrome suffers from obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea has several indicators. Because many of the signs get ignored, it's likely underdiagnosed.
Some of the signs of sleep apnea include:
If you think you may have sleep apnea, don't ignore it. Inconsistent breathing causes oxygen levels to fall and can lead to long-term health complications.
Some health complications that can result from untreated sleep apnea include:
While some of these complications can be hereditary or caused by unrelated factors, they can also be from undiagnosed sleep apnea.
How Can My Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Dentists can help patients manage some cases of obstructive sleep apnea with mouth guards and tongue-retaining devices. If these don't resolve the issue, the dentist will recommend a specialist for oral appliances or surgery.
Mouth Guards
A mouthguard is often reserved for patients with obstructive sleep apnea caused by malocclusion. It works by moving the jaw to a position that eliminates the obstruction. As a result, patients can breathe unobstructed throughout the night.
Tongue-Retaining Devices
A tongue-retaining device is for patients whose tongues are the cause of their sleep apnea. Its function is to hold the tongue forward in the mouth. When the tongue gets held forward, it’s unable to fall back into the mouth and block the airway.
Surgical Treatment
In the case of physical trauma or birth defects, resolving sleep apnea may require surgery. Orthognathic surgery or facial trauma reconstruction can be required for severe cases. While a dentist will not perform the surgery themselves, they still provide a thorough examination and diagnosis. From there, they can make an official diagnosis and recommend an oral surgeon if needed.
Tooth Correction
In mild cases of sleep apnea, breathing can be corrected by properly aligning one's teeth. This can either be done with braces or aligning trays.
A mouthguard is typically used as a temporary fix until the teeth are straight.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fremont, CA
Sleep apnea is dangerous, and ignoring it could lead to serious health complications. If you think that you or a loved one may suffer from it, make an appointment with our dentist in Fremont, CA today!