what is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a frequent sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and resumes during sleep and can be treated with mouth guards. Furthermore, it frequently goes untreated and can cause daytime fatigue, difficulties concentrating, and other health issues. There are three main categories: complex, central, and obstructive. Obstructive sleep apnea develops when the muscles in the throat fail to keep the airway open.
Central sleep apnea’s defining feature is the brain’s inability to transmit the appropriate signals to regulate breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two. Treatment options include lifestyle adjustments, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment, mouth guards, and, in some cases, surgery.
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What Are Mouth guards?
Mouth guards are devices worn over the teeth and gums to provide protection. Moreover, they reduce the risk of dental injuries, jaw fractures, and concussions by acting as a cushion against impacts to the face. Football, boxing, and hockey are just a few of the sports that frequently use them.
The three types of mouth guards are stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Boil-and-bite ones can be softened in hot water and molded to fit the user, whereas stock ones are ready to use. Dental specialists use an impression of a person’s teeth to make a custom mouth guard. The best protection comes from those kind that fit properly; you should replace them if they become worn out or damaged.
How Do Mouth Guards Treat Sleep Apnea?
Mouth guards are a possible treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. By adjusting the jaw and tongue, these oral appliances assist in maintaining an open airway while you sleep. The mouth guard, a mandibular advancement device (MAD), is custom-made to fit the individual’s mouth. It assists in preventing the tissues and muscles of the throat from collapsing, which could restrict airflow, by holding the lower jaw forward.
Doing this can improve your breathing and lessen the frequency and severity of sleep apnea events. Patients with mild to severe sleep apnea who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may benefit from wearing a mouth guard while sleeping. Regular check-ups with a dentist or sleep specialist are necessary to ensure the mouth guard’s effectiveness and comfort.
5 Advantages of Using Mouth guards to Treat Sleep Apnea
There are various advantages to using them as a sleep apnea treatment. Here are five significant benefits:
Improved Sleep Quality
By facilitating clear airflow during sleep, they help decrease sleep apnea symptoms. These devices adjust the jaw and tongue to minimize the collapse of the airway, which lessens the frequency and length of breathing pauses. As a result, people get better overall rest, better quality sleep, and reduced awakenings.
Also Read: Full Mouth Implants: Options For Complete Tooth Replacement At Smile Dental, St. Clair, Toronto
Non-Invasive and Comfortable
Unlike surgery or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, mouth guards are non-invasive and comfortable. They are custom-made to fit the individual’s mouth, offering a secure and tailored fit that maximizes sleeping comfort.
Portable and Convenient
Sleep apnea mouth guards are portable and simple. They do not require electricity or other equipment, making them ideal for travel or use outside the home. Thanks to their small size, they offer versatility for people on the go, which makes storage and transportation simple.
Lessened Snoring
One typical sleep apnea symptom is snoring, which mouth guards can significantly lessen or completely stop. They reduce throat vibrations that cause snoring by keeping the airway open and maintaining standard jaw and tongue alignment.
Improved Overall Health
It’s crucial to remember that while mouth guards can help mild to moderate sleep apnea, severe cases may need other treatments.
Consultation with a dentist or sleep specialist is necessary to choose the best course of action based on each person’s unique condition and requirements. Call us at Smile if you live in St. Clair, Toronto, or book an appointment online!
