Bruxism And Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Paper
Bruxism and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When checking for bruxism, yout dentist will also consider if the bruxism is a sign of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Bruxism is found in about 25 percent of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
OSA is a serious problem that’s linked to a number of chronic diseases including high blood pressure, obesity, heart attack, stroke, glaucoma, depression and diabetes.
It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax more than they're supposed to, blocking air from flowing properly into the airway. When the brain notices the problem, it causes the sleeper to awaken suddenly, prompting the muscles in the airway to tighten so normal breathing can resume. This sudden response releases hormones,
puts the body under stress, and may cause clenching of the teeth – bruxism – which is another way the body attempts to keep the airway open.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing and shallow breathing while you sleep, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. When normal breathing resumes, it is often accompanied by a loud snorting or choking sound.
Treatment With a Mouthguard or Oral Appliance
For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a first line treatment and can be especially helpful for patients with severe OSA who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices and prefer the mouthguard for its comfort, lack of noise, portability and ease of care.
Like an orthodontic appliance, oral appliances are worn in the mouth while you sleep and fit in your mouth in a way similar to a sports mouthguard. They work by holding the lower jaw forward enough to keep the airway open, preventing the tongue and throat muscles from collapsing into the upper airway and preventing them from blocking the airway.
When checking for bruxism, yout dentist will also consider if the bruxism is a sign of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Bruxism is found in about 25 percent of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
OSA is a serious problem that’s linked to a number of chronic diseases including high blood pressure, obesity, heart attack, stroke, glaucoma, depression and diabetes.
It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax more than they're supposed to, blocking air from flowing properly into the airway. When the brain notices the problem, it causes the sleeper to awaken suddenly, prompting the muscles in the airway to tighten so normal breathing can resume. This sudden response releases hormones,
puts the body under stress, and may cause clenching of the teeth – bruxism – which is another way the body attempts to keep the airway open.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing and shallow breathing while you sleep, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. When normal breathing resumes, it is often accompanied by a loud snorting or choking sound.
Treatment With a Mouthguard or Oral Appliance
For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a first line treatment and can be especially helpful for patients with severe OSA who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices and prefer the mouthguard for its comfort, lack of noise, portability and ease of care.
Like an orthodontic appliance, oral appliances are worn in the mouth while you sleep and fit in your mouth in a way similar to a sports mouthguard. They work by holding the lower jaw forward enough to keep the airway open, preventing the tongue and throat muscles from collapsing into the upper airway and preventing them from blocking the airway.