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UNDERSTANDING SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING
IN recent decades the medical and dental professions have become more aware of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) acting as major contributors to a range of health problems.
In addition to having a negative impact on mood, energy levels, ability to regulate stress, behavioural problems and emotional well being, severe sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, have been associated with the causes of life shortening events such as heart disease or stroke.
SDB characteristically occurs when the flow of air through the nose or mouth is obstructed during sleep.
While this airflow obstruction is typically caused by relaxation and poor muscle tone around the throat and jaws, there are many underlying causes of SDB.
The most common of these are chronic mouth breathing, poor diet, obesity and poor development of the jaws. Additionally, orthodontics with extractions can exacerbate breathing issues.
Traditionally treatment for SDB, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea has involved the use of a Continuous Air Pressure (CPAP) device. However, the inconvenience caused by the bulky CPAP machine and discomfort caused by the mask often discourages patients from using their machine. As a result, treatment with intra-oral appliances is now considered to be the most convenient way to alleviate SDB.
Mouth breathing is abnormal and is one of the causes of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) problems. If a child breathes through their mouth the jaws will not develop forwards correctly. Adults who have SDB will usually have underdeveloped jaws, which cause the tongue and lower jaw to restrict the airway. Therefore, it is important to re-learn to breathe correctly, through the nose, at all times so the lower jaw and tongue is held forward and the airway is kept open.
