Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The word “apnea” means “without breath.”
Symptoms include loud snoring, sudden awakenings accompanied by a choking or gasping sound, and excessive daytime sleepiness. TMJ disorder is also associated with this sleep disorder.
Poor airway health can have a significant impact on oral health. When the airway is restricted, patients often resort to mouth breathing, which reduces saliva flow and causes dry mouth. This environment allows bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Poor airway function can also contribute to teeth grinding and abnormal jaw development, leading to bite problems, worn enamel, and jaw pain. In children, chronic airway issues may affect facial growth and tooth alignment, while in adults they can worsen sleep apnea and overall oral health. Addressing airway concerns early helps protect the teeth, gums, and jaw, and supports long-term dental and overall well-being.
Do you snore? Do you fall asleep easily during the day? Do you feel fatigued often? If so, you may have a sleep disorder. The medical world has ignored sleep issues for many years, yet we spend one-third of our lives sleeping. Dr. Mobasseri & Dr. De Rosier have completed specialized training and dedicated many hours of study to the subject of sleep apnea. That means you can feel confident and trust the professionals at Point Loma Comprehensive Dental with your sleep apnea treatment.
The current gold standard of treatment is continuous positive air pressure (CPAP), which is an air pump connected to a mask that you strap to your face at night. This keeps your upper airway open and prevents the throat from collapsing, which stops the flow of air to your lungs – which then causes you to wake up, thus preventing a good night’s sleep.
Many people struggle with CPAP machines because they are very loud and uncomfortable to wear. and end up seeking another solution. Dentists are often involved in the treatment of sleep apnea because the condition is often related to the position and alignment of the jaw and the airway.
Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosierhave have found great success with designing oral appliances that are custom fabricated to hold the jaw forward and prevent the airway from collapsing. Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier may recommend the use of this type of mandibular advancement device (MAD), which is a mouthguard-like device that is worn during sleep. The MAD gently repositions the lower jaw and the tongue, helping to keep the airway open. In some cases, he may also recommend other treatments such as surgery to remove excess tissue from the airway, or weight loss to reduce tissue pressure on the airway.
In our endeavor to prevent problems, we can also evaluate children for airway development issues due to allergies, asthma, enlarged tonsils, and thumb/finger habits. These conditions can cause a narrowed airway, which can cause breathing problems later in life. Point Loma Comprehensive Dental can play an important role in the prevention of sleep apnea by providing specialized guidance from childhood through adolescence.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss sleep apnea treatment with Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier today.