Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea
It is estimated that 1 in every 10 adults snore. Many children also snore. For 1 in 100 snorers, this habit may indicate a potentially life threatening disorder - Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Apnea is defined as the absence of breathing or the want of breath. An apnea episode occurs if there is no airflow from the mouth or nose for more than 10 seconds. If there are 30 or more apnea episodes in a 7 hour sleep period, you are suffering from Sleep Apnea. The severity of apnea is classified as mild (5-15 episodes/hour), moderate (15-25 episodes/hour) or severe (more than 30 episodes/hour). Sleep apnea is further classified as central apnea (airway remains open but the chest wall muscles make no effort to create airflow), obstructive apnea (airflow ceases due to total airway collapse) or mixed apnea (combination of central and obstructive apnea).

Not all snorers suffer from sleep apnea. Many people are benign snorers who suffer no physical problems. Some snorers suffer from Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome in which, although apnea episodes are not experienced, the snoring wakens the person often leaving them physically drained. Snorers who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea have physical problems which make treatment a priority.

Diagnosis and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea requires a team approach. The team may include a sleep specialist, ENT, internist, oral surgeon and general dentist. The role of the general dentist is to screen patients for predisposing factors leading to snoring and sleep apnea and assist in treatment. A complete oral examination is key to revealing many predisposing factors. Many times treatment requires fabrication and use of specific dental appliances.


The following are signs and symptoms of those who suffer from sleep apnea:
Heavy Snoring
Gasping or choking during the night
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Frequent arousal's during sleep
Non-refreshed sleep
Morning headaches
Nausea
Impotence
Decreased sex drive
Personality changes
Severe anxiety or depression
Poor job performance
Clouded memory
Intellectual deterioration
Occupational accidents
Bruxing
Dry mouth when you awaken and scratchy throat


Signs and symptoms in children may include:
Hyperactivity
Poor concentration
Developmental delay
Hyponasal quality to their voice
Noisy breathing
Nightmares
Night Terrors
Obesity
Frequent upper airway infections
Earaches
Bedwetting
Nocturnal mouth breathing
Snoring
Restless Sleep
Headaches
Chronic runny nose


If you or your child snore or you think you may suffer from apnea, please bring it to our attention. For more details on snoring or apnea related to your specific situation, we will schedule you for a consultation appointment.
 

Advancements in technology in multiple fields affect nearly every aspect of our lives. Likewise, advancements in technology, techniques and materials in dentistry have forever changed our approach to our profession. The purpose of this web site is to not only introduce you to my practice but also inform you of the many advanced philosophies, techniques and procedures offered. Thank you for your interest.

Dennis R. Brumbaugh, DMD.