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