OSA is a serious disorder in which breathing is briefly or completely interrupted during sleep. The exact cause of airway obstruction in OSA is not known, but there are a number of risk factors. One is that excess fat tissue can build up in the back of the throat and partially block the airway. It can also be caused by a narrowing of the throat from the base of the tongue to the soft palate. This narrowing can be present from birth but can also develop over time due to oral anatomy or other factors. The narrower your airway becomes, the more likely you are to suffer from breathing problems during sleep.

Patients suffering from OSA will often snore loudly and feel excessively sleepy during the day. They may also have headaches in the morning, dry mouth during the night, sore throat, or a bitter taste in their mouth when they wake up. If you experience these symptoms, your dentist may recommend oral appliance therapy.

If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, heart failure, and diabetes. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can improve general health and quality of life. Your dentist can work with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and provide treatment. 

How Do Oral Appliances Work?

An oral appliance is a plastic mouthpiece that shifts your jaw forward, creating more space behind your tongue and soft palate. This opens the airway and relieves symptoms of sleep apnea. Oral appliances come in two styles – mandibular repositioning devices or MADs and tongue retaining devices or TRDs. The type we recommend will depend on your symptoms as well as your anatomy. For example, TRDs are often recommended if you have large tonsils or a long soft palate. Both types of devices can be effective in treating mild to severe cases of sleep apnea.

Some patients prefer an oral appliance because they’re easier to maintain than continuous positive air pressure machines. These devices only need to be cleaned each day by brushing with a toothbrush and rinsing with mouthwash. When not in use, they should be stored in a container with water to keep them moist.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Helix Dental, call (973)-377-8668 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 15 James Street, Florham Park, NJ, 07932.