Sleep Disordered Breathing is definitely an issue with Americans! Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major contributor to many medical issues to include heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes/insulin-resistance, and hardened arteries, not to mention the problems associated with lowered attention levels and decreased cognitive awareness!

Studies are showing a direct relationship between clenching and grinding of the teeth, particularly that of night-time, to sleep apnea, as a protective reflex against the lack of oxygen. Because the lower jaw and tongue are obstructing the airway, causing the obstruction, moving the jaw forward can often take care of all of the problems.

This clenching and sleep disordered breathing issue has become an interest of Dr. Tedman’s because she sees lots of clenching and grinding in her practice.

When breathing is paused or becomes shallow, one will often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep, making the quality of sleep poor. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and/or surgery.

Many patients suffering from sleep disordered breathing can find relief using a custom removable Oral Appliance Therapy appliance, which adjusts the position of the lower jaw and tongue to minimize airway obstruction.

For moderate to severe sleep apnea, a breathing device called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or surgery to widen the breathing passages by shrinking, stiffening, or removing excess tissue in the mouth and throat or resetting the lower jaw may be helpful. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose and gently blows air into your throat. This air pressure helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Surgery to shrink the tissue involves a small shot into the breathing passages. Surgery to stiffen excess tissue requires a small incision in the tissue and inserting a piece of stiff plastic.