Sleep Apnea & Snoring Appliances North York

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that occurs when the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. As the muscles in the throat relax, soft tissues can narrow or close off the airway, causing breathing to stop repeatedly throughout the night. According to the Government of Canada's overview of sleep apnea, these interruptions can last several seconds or longer and may occur many times during the night.

Untreated sleep apnea can affect sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall health. The Canadian Dental Association recognizes that obstructive sleep apnea can be associated with significant long-term health problems, making proper assessment and treatment important.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea symptoms are not always obvious to the person experiencing them. A bed partner or family member may be the first to notice changes in breathing during sleep. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
• Repeated pauses in breathing noticed by another person
• Difficulty staying asleep or restless sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or irritability

Snoring does not always mean someone has sleep apnea, but loud snoring combined with gasping, witnessed breathing pauses, or daytime sleepiness warrants medical assessment. The Public Health Agency of Canada's sleep apnea information provides further guidance on recognizing potential symptoms.

Risk Factors Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can affect adults and children. Certain anatomical, health-related, and demographic factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:

• Excess body weight: Extra tissue around the neck and upper airway can contribute to airway narrowing.
• Airway anatomy: A naturally narrow airway, a large tongue, or other anatomical differences may increase the risk of obstruction.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: These can contribute to airway blockage, particularly in children.
• Age: The risk of obstructive sleep apnea generally increases with age.
• Family history: Inherited anatomical traits and other family-related factors may contribute to risk.
• Sex and hormonal changes: Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men, while women's risk can increase after menopause.

These risk factors do not confirm a diagnosis, and sleep apnea can occur in people who do not have the typical risk factors. If you suspect that you or someone in your household may have sleep apnea, consult a physician for an appropriate assessment.

How Are Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the person's health, and the cause of the airway obstruction. Options may include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), lifestyle changes, surgery in selected cases, or an oral appliance. Your healthcare provider can help determine which treatment is appropriate.

For some patients, a custom oral appliance may help manage obstructive sleep apnea or reduce snoring. These devices fit over the teeth and typically hold the lower jaw in a forward position to help keep the airway open during sleep. The Canadian Lung Association's guide to sleep apnea explains how dental appliances work and why proper fitting is important.

Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for some people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for certain patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Suitability should be determined with the treating healthcare team. The Canadian Dental Association's position on oral appliance therapy recommends medical assessment to establish whether sleep apnea is present and how severe it is, along with collaboration between the dentist and physician.

Custom Sleep Apnea Appliances at Stonebrook Dental in North York

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or have concerns about persistent snoring, Stonebrook Dental in North York can discuss whether a custom oral appliance may be suitable for your needs. These devices must be appropriately selected, fitted, and monitored to help ensure they work as intended and minimize potential dental or jaw-related side effects.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea but have not been diagnosed, speak with a physician about assessment before pursuing oral appliance treatment. Our team can work with your healthcare provider as appropriate to explore dental treatment options.