Dental Sleep
Medicine

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, occur when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to partial or complete blockage of the upper airway. This condition can significantly impact overall health and quality of life if left untreated.

Symptoms of
Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Loud snoring:
One of the most common signs of OSA, caused by airway obstruction.

Gasping or choking during sleep:
Frequent awakenings with the sensation of choking.

Excessive daytime sleepiness: 
Feeling fatigued, drowsy, or having difficulty concentrating during the day due to poor-quality sleep.

Morning headaches: 
Caused by fluctuating oxygen levels during sleep.

Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking: 
Due to breathing through the mouth at night.

Irritability or mood swings: 
Sleep deprivation can impact mood, cognitive function, and overall emotional well-being.

Health Risks Associated with OSA:

If left untreated, OSA can lead to several serious health complications, including: 

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

     

  • Heart disease: 
    OSA increases the risk of heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, and heart failure.
  • Stroke

     

  • Diabetes: 
    Sleep apnea can contribute to insulin resistance.
  • Daytime accidents: 
    Excessive daytime sleepiness raises the risk of accidents, especially while driving.
  • Cognitive impairments: 
    Lack of restorative sleep can lead to memory issues, trouble concentrating, and difficulty in learning.

Treatment Options for OSA:

Oral Appliance Therapy:

An oral appliance holds the lower jaw forward and slightly open to help maintain an open airway, reducing snoring and apneas. Oral appliances are appropriate for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that oral appliances may serve as an alternative to patients who prefer them to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or who do not respond to, are not appropriate candidates for, or fail treatment attempts with CPAP. Severe apnea patients can wear CPAP in conjunction with an oral appliance making CPAP much more effective, comfortable, and tolerable.

Why Addressing OSA is Important:

Effective treatment of OSA can significantly improve your sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and lower the risk of long-term health complications. It can also improve your overall quality of life by enhancing your mood, cognitive function, and energy levels.

At Care Dental, we specialize in Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA, providing non-invasive and effective solutions for those struggling with this sleep disorder.

We will work with your medical insurance for these services and we’re also contracted with
Medicare.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have been diagnosed with OSA, schedule a consultation with us to explore your treatment options!

Sleep Bruxism

Sleep Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth during sleep. This involuntary activity can range from mild to severe and can lead to various dental and health complications over time if left untreated. Although many people may not be aware they have this condition, it is often identified through symptoms such as jaw pain or dental wear.

Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism:

Many people are unaware they grind their teeth at night until they experience related symptoms or their dentist notices signs of wear during a check-up. Symptoms include:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness: 
    Particularly in the morning, due to overuse of the jaw muscles during the night.

  • Headaches: 
    Tension headaches or migraines, especially after waking up.

  • Worn or damaged teeth: 
    Excessive grinding can lead to tooth wear, flattened teeth, fractures, or even tooth loss over time.

  • Earaches: 
    Grinding can cause referred pain to the ears due to pressure on the jaw joints.

  • Sleep disturbances: 
    Bruxism can disrupt your sleep and that of your bed partner due to the noise of grinding.

  • Increased tooth sensitivity: 
    Worn enamel from grinding can lead to heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

  • Damage to dental work: 
    Fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations may become damaged over time due to excessive pressure from bruxism.

Complications of Untreated Bruxism: 

  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD/TMJ): 
    Persistent grinding can lead to dysfunction of the jaw joints, causing chronic pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth.

  • Tooth damage: 
    Long-term grinding can cause severe damage to the teeth, requiring crowns, bridges, or other restorative dental work.

  • Sleep disruption: 
    Bruxism can contribute to poor-quality sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and other associated health problems.

Diagnosis of Sleep Bruxism:

Bruxism is often diagnosed during routine dental visits, where signs of tooth wear, jaw muscle tenderness, or other indicators are observed. In some cases, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor grinding or clenching during the night, particularly if the patient has other sleep-related issues, such as snoring or sleep apnea. 

Treatment Options for Sleep Bruxism:

The goal of treatment is to reduce grinding and protect the teeth from damage. Depending on the severity, treatment may include: 

  • Mouthguards or Splints: 
    Custom-made dental appliances that protect the teeth by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth during sleep. These help absorb the forces of grinding and prevent tooth damage.

  • Dental Correction: For some patients, correcting misaligned teeth or bite issues through orthodontics or other dental procedures can reduce grinding.

  • Botox Injections: 
    In severe cases, Botox can be used to weaken the jaw muscles and reduce grinding activity.

Why Treat Sleep Bruxism?

 

Addressing bruxism is essential to protect your teeth, reduce jaw discomfort, and prevent more serious conditions like TMJ disorders or tooth loss. By taking steps to manage stress and adopting protective measures, you can alleviate the long-term impact of grinding on your oral health.

At Care Dental, we offer personalized treatment plans for patients with sleep bruxism, including custom-fitted nightguards and stress management strategies to improve your sleep and protect your smile. If you suspect you have bruxism or experience symptoms like jaw pain or tooth wear, schedule a consultation with us today!

Snoring

Snoring is a common condition that occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate and produce sound. While occasional snoring is generally harmless, chronic or loud snoring can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Snoring can affect the quality of sleep for both the person snoring and their bed partner, and it may lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and other health concerns.

Symptoms Associated with Snoring:

While snoring itself may not always be a problem, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition like OSA. These include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring: 
    Persistent loud snoring is often a sign of a deeper issue, particularly if it occurs every night.

  • Gasping or choking during sleep: 
    These are warning signs of OSA.

  • Daytime fatigue: 
    Poor sleep quality due to snoring can lead to daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

  • Morning headaches or dry mouth: 
    Often linked to snoring and sleep disturbances.

  • Restless sleep: 
    Frequent awakenings or tossing and turning during the night.

Health Risks Associated with Snoring: 

Snoring itself may not always be harmful, but it can be a symptom of more serious conditions like sleep apnea. Untreated sleep disorders can lead to: 

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Heart disease and stroke

  • Increased risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue

  • Diabetes

  • Cognitive issues, such as memory problems or difficulty focusing

Diagnosis of Snoring:

To diagnose the cause of snoring, a healthcare provider or dentist specializing in sleep disorders may conduct a physical exam and review your sleep history. In cases where sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended. This test monitors breathing, oxygen levels, and other factors during sleep to determine if breathing disruptions are present.

Why Addressing Snoring is Important: 

Snoring may seem harmless, but it can disrupt sleep quality, strain relationships, and be a sign of more serious underlying health conditions like OSA. By seeking treatment, you can improve your sleep, reduce daytime fatigue, and lower your risk of long-term health issues.

At Care Dental, we offer customized oral appliances and personalized treatment plans to help manage snoring and related sleep disorders. If you or your partner are affected by snoring, schedule a consultation with us to explore effective solutions for a quieter, healthier night’s sleep!