Sleep apnea (and associated snoring) is a serious medical condition that affects up to 24% of all adults. It results from the closure of the throat during sleep, limiting airflow and oxygen to the brain. Sleep apnea often results in daytime sleepiness, mood fluctuations, and cognitive disruption and can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Sleep apnea is also responsible for increased motor vehicle and workplace accidents as well as reduced quality of life and increased family discord.

Many people mistakenly believe that only obese people suffer from this disease but this is not true - anyone can suffer from sleep apnea!

Screening for Sleep Apnea

At Viva Dental Victoria, we strongly believe in screening for sleep apnea. Please let us know if you or your child have any of the symptoms discussed below. We can do an examination and provide you with a few simple questionnaires that are very effective at diagnosing the possibility of sleep apnea. 

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring, however, other common signs include:

Adults:

• Chronic loud snoring
• Periods of breath cessation followed by choking or gasping for air
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or chronic fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent morning headaches
• High blood pressure
• Gastric Reflux

Children:

• Snores regularly
• Is a restless sleeper
• Falls asleep during the day
• Has pauses in breathing during sleep
• Snorts, coughs or chokes during sleep
• Wets the bed
• Breathes through the mouth
• Has sleep terrors

As many as 25% of children diagnosed with ADHD may in fact have symptoms of sleep apnea.  

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Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences. According to recent medical research, people with untreated severe sleep apnea are:

• 5 times more likely to have a heart attack
• 2 to 3 more likely to have a stroke
• 30 and 70% more likely to have high blood pressure
• more likely to die in their sleep from sudden cardiac arrest. 
• may die six to seven years sooner than if treated with CPAP therapy

As dentists, we cannot diagnose sleep apnea, however, if you have signs or symptoms of sleep apnea or have a sleep problem that leaves you fatigued, sleepy and irritable, talk to your doctor.  We can work with your doctor to help find a solution and treatment plan that is best for you.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

There are several approaches to treating sleep apnea and new treatments are always being developed.  Currently, the most common treatments include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy and OAT (oral appliance therapy), although surgery is sometimes an option. Behavioural changes can also make a significant difference.

CPAP Therapy

CPAP therapy is the most common and reliable method of treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over your mouth and/or nose during sleep. The attached CPAP machine provides continuous positive air pressure while breathing during sleep, helping to keep your air passages open and thus preventing sleep apnea and snoring. 

Oral Appliance Therapy (Snore Guard)

In people diagnosed with snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be the treatment of choice. These devices work by gently holding the lower jaw forward which helps open the airway and prevent obstruction of the throat during sleep. Many people find CPAP masks and tubes uncomfortable to wear or the sounds of the machine disruptive and are unable to tolerate the treatment.  In these cases, oral appliance therapy may be a suitable option.

Behavioural Changes

Making changes in behaviours that exacerbate or increase the risk of sleep apnea often help with the treatment of sleep apnea.  Some common risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Narcotic use
• Obesity
• Inactivity