How a Dentist Can Recognize Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious and life-threatening sleeping disorder that affects up to 18 million Americans. During an episode of sleep apnea, the person stops breathing for about 10 seconds while sleeping, and this can continue throughout the night. Sleep apnea episodes can occur up to 60 times per night, depending on the severity. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, it is advisable to consult with your dentist.

Sleep apnea diagnosis

Early detection of sleep apnea is crucial because the condition is associated with high blood pressure, heart attack, irregular heartbeat and stroke. There are three forms of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea and mixed, which combines the two. OSA is the most common and occurs when the throat muscles collapse into the airways and blocks breathing. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send the required signals for breathing.

Since most people with sleep apnea forget the episodes when they wake up, it is usually their loved one or sleep partner that first notices the signs. Loud snoring, followed by a brief pause, then a choking noise as breathing starts may mean that someone has sleep apnea. The dentist can detect signs of the condition when a patient comes to the office for a checkup.

Some of the physical indicators that the dentist might notice during the intraoral cavity exam include:

• A narrow vaulted hard palate
• A large scalloped tongue
• Class II retrognathic mandible
• Narrow maxillary and mandibular arches
• The hidden posterior wall of the pharynx and related tissues
• A long soft palate drooping below the back of the tongue

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea comes with several side effects. Patients tend to normalize the symptoms, as some of the symptoms could be the repercussion of some aspects of their daily routine. Some of the symptoms and indicators associated with sleep apnea include:

• Loud and persistent snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
• Waking with headaches
• Moodiness and irritability
• Disrupted sleep with frequent awakenings
• Memory impairment
• Clouded thoughts (foggy brain)
• Waking to choke or gasping for breath
• High blood pressure
• Adult Type II diabetes
• Breathing cessation (usually noticed by bed partners)

After the initial consultation, the dentist may recommend an overnight sleep study known as polysomnography. This test measures multiple parameters, including blood oxygen level, heart rate and the number of breathing interruptions during sleep. If sleep apnea is the diagnosis, the sleep medicine professional will help to decide suitable treatment for the patient and initialize recommended therapies.

Treatments

Oral appliances that reposition the tongue and lower jaw are effective for some sleep apnea patients. Other options include correcting sleeping positions, weight loss and quitting smoking and alcohol. Some sleep apnea patients may require the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which provides air through a small mask placed over the nose. A drastic measure would be to open air passages through oral surgery.

In conclusion

Good sleep plays a critical role in sustaining physical and psychological functions. If you suspect sleep apnea, it is advisable to contact the dentist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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