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Are Mouth Guards Effective against Sleep Apnea?


Are you diagnosed with the condition of sleep apnea, which relaxes the muscles around the tongue and throat? Sleep apnea causes a blockage of airflow to your lungs when sleeping, needing you to discuss various treatment options with your doctor. The two most commonly used and effective treatments against sleep apnea are mouth guards or dental appliances and the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

The most effective treatment for OSA, the CPAP blows air down your throat with continuous pressure to ensure your airways open when sleeping. The CPAP machine used with this treatment includes a mask fitting over your nose and mouth held in place with straps while you sleep, a motor to blow the air and a tube known as cannula connecting the motor to the mask.

After you begin treatment with the CPAP device, you will feel better but will need some time to become accustomed to the device. However, if you are affected by mild or moderate OSA and cannot tolerate the CPAP device, dentists have pioneered an oral appliance that is effective and can help you to manage the problem of sleep apnea effectively.

The dentist in north-east Calgary, Alberta, provides a mandibular advancement device that is similar to a mouth guard used in sports. This device snaps over the dental arches on the upper and lower jaws with metal hinges making it possible to keep the lower jaw in a forward position. Some tools like the Thornton adjustable positioner permit you to control the degree of advancement.

Man with Sleep Apnea sleeping using mouthguard

The dentist in north-east Calgary recommends mouth guards if you are accustomed to sleeping on your back or stomach because the appliances can improve your sleep by reducing the frequency and the loudness of snoring. Research has proved that people prefer to use dental tools as compared to the CPAP device when affected by mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

If you are recommended a dental device, you must get yourself checked up to understand if it is functioning appropriately. Periodic checkups for adjustments or replacements are also required. The best treatment for OSA depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition. The physical structure of your upper airway, your personal preference, and other problems you could be suffering from all have a role to play when selecting the best treatment option for you. Therefore you must work with your dentist and the sleep medicine specialist to choose a treatment option best suited to your specific requirements.

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