While snoring is often dismissed as something not to worry about, it might be an indication of some problem lying underneath. OSA is one such problem; it is a sleep disorder that results in obstructive sleep. Breathing becomes difficult, which disrupts the person’s typical sleep pattern.
In Whitby, Ontario, you can come across many such individuals who are suffering from such a disorder. Sleep disorder, while in itself is something that one needs to deal with, there are also oral health implications that need to be looked into.
People snore when the air passageway gets partially blocked, resulting in the noise that you hear when a person is sleeping. The tissues that are present in the person’s throat start to vibrate, which results in snoring. It may not seem like a big problem; however, if it persists for too long, it may result in obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).
The interruptions that a person experiences during sleep apnea may last for seconds to a few minutes. It may happen multiple times in a single hour. Visiting a dental practice in Whitby,Ontario can help you fight different dental problems associated with sleep apnea.
What are the dental implications of OSA?
There are various problems that a person may develop as a result of sleep apnea; let us look at some of them:
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Dry mouth:
Those who snore or have Obstructive Sleep Apnea are likely to breathe from their mouth. Constant breathing from the mouth can result in a dry mouth.
Thus, the production of saliva will be decreased, and the mouth will become more susceptible to developing different diseases such as gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay.
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Wear and tear:
Sleep disorders also increase the chances of bruxism(teeth grinding). Grinding teeth constantly can result in enamel wear. Teeth can become cracked, and sensitivity can also be improved. Restorative dental treatments might be required in such scenarios.
How can you identify and treat?
There are various things that can be done to identify the problem and treat it; let us look at some of those ways:
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Conducting an oral exam:
When routine exams are conducted, the dentist can identify various signs of OSA. Such things can include having a large tongue or narrowed airway, etc. Other things that the dentist might take note of are signs of teeth grinding and the different stress-related factors.
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Sleep studies:
Dentists cannot really diagnose OSA thoroughly; they can still refer the patients to some other healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist, to ensure the diagnosis. Such studies are quite crucial in determining the extent of OSA and then, accordingly, forming a plan.
What are the treatment options?
There are various treatment options; let us briefly discuss some of them below:
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Oral appliances:
There are Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) that can address common dental issues. These devices are custom-made and help in keeping the airway open when the person is sleeping.
Furthermore, there are people who cannot tolerate therapy like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) therapy; for them, Mass is a good alternative to go for.
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Changes in lifestyle and behavior:
Dentists can guide you on the modifications that you can bring to your lifestyle, and it will also help in improving the symptoms. Smoking cessation or losing weight might help some people. Sleep position can also be changed, and the symptoms of sleep disorders can be improved.
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Collaboration between dentists and sleep specialists:
Dentists can work together with sleep specialists to manage sleep apnea better. Such an approach can ensure better handling of the issues and the treatment plan will be improved too.
Why should you seek dental help?
Dental professionals can identify any early signs of a sleep disorder. They can accordingly refer you to a sleep specialist for further assistance.
By recognizing oral symptoms, they can also determine the signs of sleep disorders. Timely intervention can save a person from experiencing something more severe. Thus, seek dental help today.
