Sleep-disordered breathing is an illness that is very common among people these days. It is affecting 10 % children and 24 % males or 9% females in the adult category . The co-morbid conditions related to SDB are hypertension, diabetes, heart failure , stroke , asthma or gastroesophageal reflux disease etc.
If we talk about the anatomy of the sleep-disordered breathing in relevance to the dental evaluation then we find that the mens upper respiratory tract evolved rapidly in the last many years. The supra vocal cord tract has two segments, vertical and horizontal, for establishing a ratio of 1:1 between them, larynx descended and the oral cavity is shortened which caused many anatomical consequences. The bones of maxillofacial area shortened and third molars are becoming more and more impacted with evolution. The size of teeth decreased in males to approximately 10% and to facilitate speech the palate retracted superiorly which caused shortened soft palate. All of this has resulted in many abnormalities and sleep-disordered breathing.
It is said to increase with aging in adults and is found very prevalent among people with increasing weight. The symptoms include frequent loud snoring and restless sleep and mouth breathing. Other symptoms like tiredness and fatigue, headache, sore throat memory loss, and decreased libido can also be found commonly in people.
Treatments
The treatment and management of such disorders can be of two types such as pharmacological and non pharmacological. Non pharmacological ways include measures such as diet devices to be worn or surgeries involving the anatomical structures. Surgeries like upper airway surgery and Bariatric surgery for weight loss can also help. Pharmacological ways include measures such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In severe cases CPAP won’t work so a BiPAP therapy should be tried. In more severe cases oral appliances are given which need to be worn by the patient. Mandibular advancement devices are the ones which are preferred in such cases.
General behavioral measures such as weight loss or restricting bad habits like alcohol or smoking before four to six hours of bed and sleeping in the sides rather than straight on the stomach or on the back can help in reducing the symptoms.
We at Todays Dental have a great and experienced team to consult you regarding it and helping out in such cases. If you have any difficulties or have any queries you can just contact us and let us know your problems via online chat or mail or a direct call. We will be happy to help you in every way possible. For making appointments contact us as soon as possible before we are all booked.
