Using Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea

By Marcie Goodman


Dental appliances for sleep apnea have been used for over ten years now, and their effectiveness has been proved. There are different forms of this disorder. Oral devices help alleviate 'obstructive' apnea, caused by airway obstruction, although they are really designed to stop snoring. There are some lifestyle changes that can help this disorder, although medical diagnosis and treatment are recommended.

People who suffer from this condition actually stop breathing for ten seconds or longer while they are asleep. Severe cases may cause many interruptions of the inhalation-exhalation cycle every minute. Deep, restful slumber is impossible under these conditions, and a sufferer gradually gets more fatigued, may be sleepy during the day, and can find daily tasks difficult. Those afflicted may become aggressive, or merely irritable, and may develop depression.

A small number of cases of apnea are caused by brain malfunction, but most are throat and airway blockages. The last is 'obstructive' and can be treated with oral appliances as a first response. This use of a device that fits over the teeth is recommended by sleep therapy professionals.

One major cause of airway obstruction when reclining is obesity. Grossly overweight people often have many health concerns, including breathing problems, which are aggravated by disrupted sleep. Excess weight and a lack of muscle tone cause the soft tissue that lines the airways to collapse upon itself, cutting off normal breathing. Weight loss and supervised exercise are recommended as part of the treatment, as well as stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol.

This abnormality can also be caused by narcotic painkillers or other pharmaceutical drugs. Serious illnesses including heart disease are made worse when normal sleeping patterns are disrupted. Studies show that different parts of the brain can be affected, which makes the symptoms different in each person afflicted. Some will have difficulty concentrating or performing familiar tasks, others may suffer memory loss.

The oral devices designed to control snoring fit over the teeth and work by advancing the lower jaw slightly. This opens up the upper airway, reducing snoring. It also is effective at keeping the airway from collapsing on itself. There are many different FDA-approved devices on the market. Go online to see how the devices work, the different ways they can be adjusted to give a good fit, and the guarantees of satisfaction that manufacturers offer. Materials used vary from medicals grades to those which use FDA-approved plastics that are BPA and latex free.

People who stop breathing during slumber rarely know that they do so. Other people in the household often tell them of the problem, which is both noisy and frightening to listen to. Special clinics monitor people during the night to chart their breathing and make a definitive diagnosis. Clinics can also help judge the effectiveness of treatment.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea can be found online under the name of this disorder and also under 'help with snoring'. Not getting enough sleep is a problem in its own right, but it worsens other conditions as well. Those who suspect they suffer from this disorder should seek medical help. The use of a mouthpiece is often the first step in treatment. Lifestyle changes will make any health restoring program more effective.




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