Harmony & Springbank
Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from daytime fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty breathing during sleep, snoring and/or enlarged tonsils, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Harmony Family Dental recognizes the significant impact of sleep apnea on your overall health and we are committed to offering safe and effective treatment options for those affected. If you suspect sleep apnea may be affecting you, Harmony Family Dental is here to support your journey towards optimal health, wellness and a restful night sleep.

Sleep apnea is a severe and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, often occurring hundreds of times in a single night. This interruption in normal breathing results from an obstructed airway, causing a significant reduction in airflow to the lungs. Common symptoms include loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. The predominant form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by the narrowing of the airway during sleep which leads to disruptions in breathing. These interruptions stem from a lack of communication between the brain and the relevant breathing muscles as well as the position of the tongue. The frequent pauses in breathing diminish sleep quality and, if left untreated, may pose serious health risks. Given that many individuals are unaware of their condition, it is crucial to discuss any suspected sleep apnea with your dentist.

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

• Loud snoring that is often interrupted by choking or gasping sounds, which may be noticed by a bed partner.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Irritability or frustration.
• Increased need to urinate during the night.
• Reduced focus and attention during the day.
• Morning headaches that last for several hours after waking up.
• Dry mouth upon waking.
• Restless sleep with periods of wakefulness throughout the night.

Does Your Partner Keep You Awake Due to Snoring?
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While common, sleep apnea can be linked to heart disease and serious metabolic issues and should be addressed promptly. Harmony Family Dental is here to assist you in assessing your airway and guiding you toward optimal health and wellness.

There are two main treatment options for sleep apnea. The first is the continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). This machine delivers a steady flow of air through a tube and mask worn over the face to stabilize breathing. Although effective, the CPAP machine is often loud, bulky, uncomfortable and challenging to travel with, resulting in low patient compliance. The second option for treatment of sleep apnea is a sleep apnea oral appliance. This appliance is worn over the teeth at night and helps open the airway and prevent breathing disruptions. Once diagnosed, Harmony Family Dental is pleased to offer sleep apnea appliances to support airway health and prevent disruptions in breathing.

Harmony Family Dental is committed to treating patients affected by sleep apnea with a variety of custom fixed and adjustable night guard appliances. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly and help prevent the tongue from falling backwards and blocking the airway. This slight repositioning opens up the airway and allows oxygen to flow freely again. Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep. Sleep apnea appliances can also help reduce physical symptoms associated with snoring, which can leave your mouth more vulnerable to the bacteria that causes tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Appliances can also help with the wear and tear of tooth enamel from the clenching and grinding associated with OSA. Sleep apnea appliances can offer a viable alternative to CPAP in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.