Say Ahhh To Get More Zzzz’s Dentists Help Patients Say “Good Night’ To Sleep Issues (NAPSA)—Healthyteeth, healthy gums and now...healthy sleep? For those who have never consulted a dentist about treatmentsfor sleep apnea and snoring, it may be time to make an appointment. Dental sleep medicine is a growing segment of dentistry that focuses on managing snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy—an effective alternative to the standard treatment of the disease, the continuouspositive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and mask. Oral appliance therapy uses a “mouth guard—like” device, worn only during sleep, to maintain an open, unobstructed airway. “Oral appliances are very effective in treating sleep apnea because they help open the airwayfor patients,” said B. Gail Demko, D.M_D., president of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). “Depending on the patient's needs, the device will either hold the tongue in place or support the jaw in a forward position to keep the patient's airway open and provide morerefreshingsleep.” The Dangers of Sleep Apnea According to the AADSM, at least 12 to 18 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea, which causes them to stop breathing hundreds of times a night for anywherefrom a few seconds to more than a minute. Sleep apnea isa potentially life-threatening condition that can increase therisk for serious health problems, from congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood = Oral appliances are an effective alternative to the standard CPAP treatmentfor sleep apnea and snoring. pressure and heart disease to diabetes, obesity, depression and impotenceif left untreated. Traditional Treatments CPAP is the traditionally recommended treatment for sleep apnea. Sleeping with a CPAP machine, which includes a face mask, tubing and a constantly running motor, however, can bedifficult to adjust to. According to the AADSM, up to 50 percent of sleep apnea patients do not comply with or tolerate CPAP. Alternative Solutions From a Dentist Dentists pioneered the useof oral appliance therapyfor the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. For many, oral appliance devices are more comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask. The devices are also quiet, portable and easy to carefor. Research suggests that oral appliance therapy can often equal CPAPin effectiveness and offers a higher patient compliance rate. “Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine workin conjunction with a sleep physician and recommend a specific oral appliance based on a patient’s needs,” said Dr. Demko. “The important thing for patients to rememberis that effective oral devices are always custom fit by a dentist and may need adjustments over time to ensure maximumeffectiveness.” Oral appliance therapy is recommendedfor people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Once a patient is diagnosed with primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea by a board-certified sleep physician, a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine can provide treatment with oral appliance therapy. There are more than 80 different styles of oral appliances that have received FDAclearance and the treatmentis often covered by medical insurance. To find a local dentist whooffers oral appliance therapy, visit www.LocalSleepDentist.com.
