Sleep Dentistry

Dentists are usually the first line of defence for diagnosing a potential patient of sleep apnea. Signs of teeth grinding, worn teeth and gum recession could signal several underlying issues, one of which is sleep apnea.

A sleep study would first be carried out to determine if one does have sleep apnea.

If one is overweight, one should first make attempts to monitor and willfully reduce their weight. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that incorporates eating the right type of food in appropriate quantities would help.

One of the following steps would be taken to mitigate the symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

• Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is where continuous airflow is delivered through a nasal mask worn by patients.
• An air compressor is connected to a tube which is attached to this mask. The air delivered through this compressor exerts pressure and keeps muscles from blocking the airway.

Oral Appliances

• The use of a dental device that prevents the tongue from blocking the throat and hence allowing air to flow through the airways unobstructed would be prescribed.
• Another type of device that adjusts the lower jaw but that also achieves the same objective, might also be used.