| Robert S. Gurmankin, DMD |
|
 As many as 40 percent of adults, most of them men, snore. Sleep apnea, a related disorder in which people literally stop breathing in their sleep, affects about 28 million Americans. During sleep, our bottom jaw and tongue falls back to the rear of the throat. Snoring happens when a person's throat muscles relax during sleep, and he or she tries to breathe through a too-small opening in the back of the throat. This causes the soft palate to vibrate and make that familiar noise. Some people, it's just making noise -- it may upset their spouse or the guy next door, but it has very little clinical impact. In other people, it indicates that they're dramatically working to breathe. It indicates they have sleep apnea. In the adult, the collapsible portion of the throat (pharynx) lies above the soft palate and uvula (that thing that hangs down in the back of your throat) and in back of the tongue. Snoring is caused when the tongue, soft palate and uvula partially obstruct the throat. Air passes through the narrowed passageway and makes a noise much like a flag flapping in the wind. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft palate, uvula and back of the tongue totally obstruct the airway so that no air can pass. Some symptoms of OSA are loud snoring, partial or complete cessation of breathing during sleep, reductions in blood oxygen levels, severe sleep fragmentation and excessive daytime sleepiness. Additional symptoms may include early morning headaches, impaired concentration and impotence. The disorder is more common in males, and has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and strokes. If you think you may have sleep apnea, see your physician! Losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking, sleeping on one's side and avoiding alcohol at night can help. Dental devices may offer the most logical way to initiate treatment in most cases of snoring and OSA. It works well, produces no irreversible changes and is the least expensive option. Dental devices (such as the Silent Nite) that bring the jaw forward can eliminate snoring and help in mild to moderate sleep apnea. 
SilentNite Appliance  Without Appliance (opening collapsed)  With Appliance (airway open)
all graphics Copyright 1999 Glidewell Laboratories
Related
sites:
|
Disclaimer
All advice provided on this web site is in the nature of general advice only. The advice may not be applicable to your particular circumstances. You are therefore advised to seek detailed advice from a qualified dentist prior to embarking on any course of action. We can not accept liability for any treatment undertaken on the basis of this web site.