More than 859,000 Canadians over 18 years of age suffer from sleep apnea. But what exactly is sleep apnea? In this article, we will explore its causes, symptoms, risks and potential treatments.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder that involves pauses in breathing, lasting from 10 to 30 seconds while asleep. It is one of the most common disorders and corresponds to an obstruction in the upper respiratory tract. However, the causes  of this disorder are varied and can be based on many things, such as the morphology of the individual (wide neck, thin face, overweight …), their anatomy (narrow pharynx, size of adenoids and tonsils …), their lifestyle (alcohol consumption, smoking), their age, etc. This pathology causes certain symptoms such as drowsiness, morning headaches, snoring, decreased energy, lack of concentration, memory loss, irritability or loss of libido. Note that in cases where sleep apnea is left untreated, the repercussions can be dramatic as it can result in high blood pressure, depression or heart problems (arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation).

How to treat sleep apnea and why consult your dentist

Various solutions exist to treat sleep apnea. Some doctors will prescribe alternatives such as wearing special masks referred to as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to prevent possible obstructions in the throat during sleep. While others, depending on the severity of the disease, will guide the patient towards healthy lifestyle habits (quitting smoking, losing body fat, practicing sports regularly…).
But did you know that orthodontists and specialized dentists are also trained to treat sleep apnea? Orthodontics is well suited for treatment of OSA patients due to their extensive knowledge on oro-facial and dento-facial structures. Indeed, a customized oral appliance can significantly clear the airways and may be even more effective than wearinga CPAP mask. In addition, orthoses can significantly reduce snoring.

Schedule an appointment

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Dr. Thu Nguyen and her team of dentists, periodontists, endodentists, maxillofacial surgeons and hygienists are at your disposal to answer any of your questions.

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