Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Treat sleep apnea with dental device


An oral device has two objectives. It aligns the jaw to the maxilla, where the holder has an excess or bite and requires the user to breathe through the nose instead of mouth. Many different types of oral appliances are available, but the most used and studied is the lower jaw repositioning appliances, or ARM - sometimes called a mandibular advancement device. The position of the arms of the lower jaw and tongue forward slightly. This opens the back of throat and reduces blocking of tissues, helps keep the airway open and clear of the patient during sleep.

An oral appliance may be recommended for the treatment of snoring, or as an option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases it may be an alternative option for patients who can not use a continuous positive airway pressure machine for sleep apnea. Dentists with training in dental sleep medicine is recommended for the setting of oral appliances. But there are some over counting devices can be installed in the house. They are usually softened with warm water, then placed in the mouth to match. They are usually purchased at a reasonable price and can be purchased online.

Snoring is often worse with breathing through the mouth, and this device ensures that the user breathes through the nose, keeping the tongue falling back and blocking the airway. Almost half of adults snore, and the problem is aggravated by being overweight or obese patient. Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction of the free circulation of air through the mouth and nose. The noise occurs when loose fleshy structures in the throat, and uvula and soft palate, vibrating as air passes over them. Snoring may increase when the muscles of the back of the throat are too relaxed, either from drugs that induce sleep or alcohol consumption. Snoring can be serious both socially and can disrupt marriages and cause sleepless nights for bed partners.

Snoring can be a precursor to sleep apnea, which is linked to heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. As separate, snoring is linked to type II diabetes. Sleep apnea usually snore loudly, with a period of silence, no air enters the lungs. Eventually, the lack of oxygen and carbon dioxide increasing need to wake up the airways to open a strong jolt. Heavy snorers are more likely to suffer a heart attack during sleep. Blood pressure changes caused by snoring can cause obstruction of the coronary arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

1 comment:

  1. Is this device made as an alternative to the breathing machine like my buddy has to sleep with?

    ReplyDelete