Snoring! Can Dentistry Help :

Snoring is one of the more important symptoms of a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). OSA is a disorder in which there is an obstruction of the airway during sleep thus interrupting normal breathing.

SYMPTOMS:

Patients with significant sleep apnoea may not realize that they have a problem and symptoms are often first spotted by the partner/ family member. Not all patients who snore have OSA. The following are the symptoms associated with OSA:

• Loud snoring
• Interrupted sleep
• Gasping/choking
• Daytime fatigue/ sleepiness
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Frequent headaches especially during night/early morning

RISK FACTORS:

• Obesity- Fat accumulation on the sides of the airway causes obstruction
• Age- Aging causes loss of muscle mass and replacement of it by fat thus narrowing the airway
• Men are at a higher risk as male sex hormones can alter the airway structure
• Family history of OSA
• Smoking, Alcoholism

DIAGNOSIS:

An objective sleep study conducted by the physician is required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity.

TREATMENT:

Untreated OSA can lead to cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, stroke, depression, sleepiness-related accidents. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, a variety of treatment options are available.

• Lifestyle changes – Weight reduction, ceasing of habits.
• Removable dental appliances that help in positioning the lower jaw and tongue forward thus increasing the airway dimensions
• Surgical procedures in upper and lower jaws to increase the airway space

Children can also develop OSA as seen in adults. Snoring is the hallmark of OSA in children. Surgical removal of enlarged tonsils/adenoids is the first line of treatment.

Dentistry plays a pivotal role in the identification and possible treatment of patients with OSA. With the right treatment method, several patients have shown to benefit immensely thereby increasing their Quality of Life.