Spleep Apnea – Part 1
August 22, 2012
Why is a dentist writing about sleep problems? More and more dentists are getting training in this area of medicine because they can be of help in the treatment of some of the problems associated with sleep-related issues. There also seems to be a large part of the population who are un-diagnosed or are diagnosed but have issues with treatment modalities they are using.
Sleep problems need to be diagnosed by a trained professional. Although there are many dentists who are providing treatment for sleep apnea, there are certain channels to consider for proper diagnosis. For example, a sleep study is a must in diagnosis and a dentist alone cannot provide this.
What is sleep apnea? It is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 18 million Americans. It comes from the Greek meaning of apnea which means “want of breath”. People with sleep apnea have episodes in which they stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Since many people see their dentist on a regular basis, if there is any concern of sleep apnea, the dentist can work closely with a physician to implement and manage a prescribed therapy.
There are two major types of sleep apnea, both of which can severely disrupt the regular sleep cycle.
Obstructive sleep apnea is when the muscles in the walls of the throat relax to the point where the airway collapses and prevents air from flowing into your nose and mouth. However, as you continue to sleep you also continue to try to breathe. This is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is the other type. This is when breathing interruptions during sleep are caused by problems with the brain mechanisms that control breathing.
What are the symptoms associated with sleep apnea? People with sleep apnea usually do not remember waking up during the night. Some of the potential problems may include morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning, excessive snoring, choking/gasping during sleep, insomnia, or awakening with a dry mouth or throat.
So, what is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? Unlike mild/moderate snoring, individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing completely for 10 seconds or more, typically between 10 and 60 times in a single night. If the person sleeping in the same room hears loud snoring punctuated by silences and then a snort or choking sound as breathing then resumes, this could be sleep apnea.
Studies have shown that people with diagnosed sleep apnea can be so fatigued during the day that, when driving, their performance is similar to that of a drunk driver. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to impaired daytime functioning, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
Next week we will discuss the diagnosis of and treatment options of this potentially life-threatening disorder.
Does your Face Hurt?
May 3, 2011
Orofacial pain includes a number of clinical problems involving the chewing (masticatory) muscles or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Problems can include TMJ discomfort; muscle spasms in the head, neck or jaw; migraines, cluster or frequent headaches; pain with the teeth, face or jaw; or anxiety or depression.
You swallow approximately 2,000 times per day, which causes the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. People who have an unstable bite, missing teeth, or poorly aligned teeth can have trouble because the muscles work harder to bring the teeth together, causing strain. People with seemingly good teeth/bite are also susceptible. Pain can also be caused by clenching or grinding teeth, trauma to the head and neck, or poor ergonomics.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect more than 10 million Americans. Your TMJ’s are located where the skull connects to your lower jaw to the muscles on the sides of your head and face control the joint’s movements. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are the most frequent sufferers because of the added estrogen in their bodies.
One in eight Americans suffers from headaches. Experts estimate that 80 percent of all headaches are caused by muscle tension, which may be related to the bite. Clenching the jaw muscles creates tension in the muscles that close the jaw, the main one of which is the temporalis muscle. Signs that may indicate a headache from dental origin include: pain behind the eyes, sore jaw muscles or “tired” muscles upon awaking, teeth grinding, clicking or popping of the jaw joints, head and/or scalp is painful to the touch, earaches or ringing, neck and/or shoulder pain, and dizziness.
Sleep disorders can also play a roll. If you have gone through treatment and still experience orofacial pain, you may have a sleep disorder, such as bruxism (grinding), or a sleep-related breathing disorder, such as snoring or sleep apnea.
Your dentist has a variety of treatments that can help relieve your orofacial symptoms. One device is called an orthotic, or splint, that is worn over the teeth to help stabilize the bite. Permanent correction may require equilibration (reshaping teeth), building crowns, or orthodontics. Many use a splint on a daily basis to avoid having these other treatments done.
Other things that can help alleviate pain are using ice on the painful area, eating a softer diet and avoiding chewing gum or ice, being conscious to keep teeth slightly apart except when chewing and swallowing, sleeping on your back and not resting your hand on your chin.
Orofacial pain can range from tolerable to debilitating. Maintaining or correcting your bite ensures optimal health, and proper care will help reduce or eliminate orofacial pain or discomfort. If your dentist can not help you, ask for a referral.
