Sleeping disorders leave us feeling sluggish and fatigued and prevent us from enjoying each new day. Dental sleep medicine is a field of dental practice that deals with the use of oral appliances, such as anti-snoring devices, to treat sleeping disorders like sleep apnea and snoring. The best form of treatment for each patient is usually co-determined by a dentist and a sleep physician.
Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person stops breathing repeatedly in their sleep due to a complete or partial blocking of their airway. “Apnea” literally means “without breath”.
Does sleep apnea sound unfamiliar to you? It is actually more common than you think. Unfortunately, most cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed. In fact, a 2016 study by Jurong Health Services has found that 1 in 3 Singaporeans suffers from moderate to severe sleep apnea, and 1 in 10 suffers from severe sleep apnea. Yet, up to 90% of these cases were previously undiagnosed.
Depending on the severity of your condition, different treatments may be recommended. If your case is mild, your dentist may suggest that you wear an anti-snoring device during sleep. For more severe cases of sleep apnea, you may be advised to see a specialised sleep physician for more complex treatment.
You may have sleep apnea if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
Excessive gasping or snoring during sleep
Difficulty falling asleep.
Headaches in the morning
An anti-snoring device, also known as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), helps to reposition your jaw and tongue to improve air circulation. A mould will be taken of your teeth to create a custom-fitted device.
If you would like to find out more about anti-snoring devices and sleep apnea treatment, please give us a call or book an appointment at Meso Dental.
Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep. Over time, this sleep deprivation can lead to negative consequences such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating and even unusual changes in your mood.
Anti-snoring devices are designed to reposition your jaw, which can lead to complications such as the shifting or even loss of your teeth if the right care is not taken. It is recommended that you use a custom-made device and receive regular monitoring by your dentist and/or sleep physician for the safest and most effective solution to sleep apnea.