Nightguards for Sleep Apnea

Perhaps you’re a well-meaning loved one doing research for someone whose snoring has dipped into the realm of “concerning.” Maybe you’re tired of waking up with a parched throat and feeling more exhausted than when you went to sleep. In either case, the snoring you’re worried about could be obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that is estimated to affect up to 50 percent of people in countries across the world. 

According to an analysis of current research by the National Institute of Health (NIH), more than 1 billion people aged 30 to 69 have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There are many potential causes, but OSA is commonly attributed to structural issues with the teeth, tongue, and jaw. If your sleep apnea is related to your bite, Highlands Ranch dental care offers custom nightguards to relieve your symptoms and help you get a restful night of sleep.

How a Mouthguard Could Help Your Sleep Apnea

Many over-the-counter nightguards claim to help with sleep apnea. As OSA can be caused by bruxism (teeth grinding), it may seem like a mouthguard meant to help with bruxism will, by default, help with sleep apnea. This isn’t the case for most people.

Nightguards that were made for people with sleep apnea do more than just separate your teeth. Custom nightguards separate the teeth and push the lower jaw and tongue forward. This sleep position keeps obstructions from your airway, so you can get a full, deep breath while you snooze.

Many People With Sleep Apnea Quit CPAP Treatment for Night Guards

A common treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine which pushes continuous positive airway pressure into the mouth and nose. Many people find CPAP appliances uncomfortable and don’t continue with treatment. 

One NIH study summarized about 20 years of CPAP compliance research, finding that over 34 percent of people stopped using their machines during treatment. The Canadian Respiratory Journal cites these reasons from those who abandon CPAP treatment:

• Noise of the machine
• Discomfort when using the machine
• Disliking the treatment
• Claustrophobia when using the mask
• Trying other treatments, such as nightguards

In this study, over 30 percent of people who abandoned CPAP treatment switched to nightguards. In comparison, the percentage of those who stick with mouthguard treatment is much higher. The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reports that 76 percent of people continued treatment after one year. 

Custom Dental Nightguards Can Improve Your Quality of Life

When you’re not sleeping well, you’re not living your best life. If you’ve been struggling with poor quality of sleep, it has likely affected your relationships, your job, your hobbies, and your health. Getting treatment for your sleep apnea can provide benefits like these:

• Better quality of sleep
• Fewer nighttime sleep disruptions
• More energy throughout the day
• Better mood and more positive outlook
• Improved blood sugar in Diabetics, per University of Chicago Medicine
• Improved heart health, per Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
• Decreased likelihood of a car accident, per Sleep
• Better focus and concentration
• Better sleep for your partner
• Improved overall health

Research is still developing around night guards over other, older forms of sleep apnea treatment, but things are looking up for sleep apnea sufferers who are looking for an individualized treatment. Whether you’re new to OSA treatment or you’ve tried and hated other options, we want to help you find a nightguard that can improve your symptoms and your life enjoyment.

Get Highlands Ranch Dental Care at Restore Dental

We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to health. Our special needs dentistry aims to cater to all kinds of people in every walk of life, especially those who are suffering from health conditions related to their dental health. To get a custom-fitted nightguard and finally put sleepless nights behind you, call 720-740-2971 to schedule an appointment.