Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common condition affecting both children and adults.
It is estimated to affect approximately 10% of children, 24% of adult males, and 9% of adult females.
This condition is often associated with other health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, stroke, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
At Todays Dental Lexington, we help patients understand how dental and oral anatomy can influence breathing during sleep and how timely evaluation can improve quality of life.
From an anatomical and dental standpoint, changes in the upper respiratory tract over time have contributed to sleep disordered breathing.
The human upper airway has evolved significantly, particularly the area above the vocal cords.
As part of this evolution:
These anatomical changes have contributed to airway narrowing and abnormalities that can interfere with normal breathing during sleep.
Sleep disordered breathing tends to:
Both children and adults may be affected, but symptoms and severity often progress over time if not addressed.
Patients with sleep disordered breathing may experience:
Management of sleep disordered breathing can be divided into non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.
Mandibular advancement devices are commonly preferred in dental management of sleep-related breathing disorders.
Certain behavioural modifications can help reduce symptoms:
At Todays Dental Lexington, our experienced dental team evaluates oral and jaw anatomy to identify factors contributing to sleep disordered breathing.
We guide patients on appropriate oral appliances and coordinate care where required to improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall health.
If you experience loud snoring, restless sleep, or daytime fatigue, schedule a consultation with Todays Dental Lexington to explore whether dental evaluation can help.
Better sleep starts with the right evaluation.
Sleep disordered breathing describes a spectrum of problems with airflow during sleep, from simple snoring through to obstructive sleep apnoea, where the airway repeatedly narrows or closes. Each interruption lowers oxygen levels and briefly rouses the brain, fragmenting sleep. Common results are loud snoring, gasping, morning headaches, and daytime tiredness despite a full night in bed.
Dentists often notice the early signs and can screen for risk, then refer for a medical sleep study, which is what confirms a diagnosis. For diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, and for snoring, a custom mandibular advancement appliance made by a dentist can hold the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open.
Dental clues include worn or flattened teeth from night time grinding, a scalloped tongue border, a narrow palate or crowded arch, enlarged tonsils, and dryness from habitual mouth breathing. In children, mouth breathing and restless sleep may accompany a narrow upper jaw. These findings prompt further questions rather than confirming a diagnosis alone.
CPAP remains the most effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Oral appliances are generally less effective at reducing breathing events, but many people wear them far more consistently, which narrows the gap in real world benefit. They are commonly used for snoring, milder cases, or when CPAP cannot be tolerated.
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458 Old Cherokee Rd suite 100, Lexington, SC 29072, United States
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