A Game-Changer for Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Oral Appliances Leading the Way
Oral appliances are emerging as a revolutionary solution for managing snoring and sleep apnea. Prof. Dr. Pınar Kursoğlu from Yeditepe University highlights the effectiveness of these devices in improving sleep quality and overall health.
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A Game-Changer for Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Oral Appliances Leading the Way
Snoring and sleep apnea, two common sleep disturbances, can significantly impact life quality and overall health. Prof. Dr. Pınar Kursoğlu, a specialist in Prosthetic Dental Treatment at Yeditepe University, sheds light on how dentists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Highlighting the effectiveness of oral appliances, she explains how these simple yet effective devices help open airways and restore restful sleep.
Oral Appliances: A Practical Solution for Better Sleep
Speaking on the occasion of World Dentists’ Day (November 22), Prof. Dr. Kursoğlu emphasized the growing field of "Dental Sleep Medicine." She explained that oral appliances are increasingly being used as a practical alternative for managing snoring and sleep apnea.
“Unlike CPAP machines that some patients find difficult to adapt to, oral appliances are much easier to use and highly effective. These devices are custom-made to fit the patient’s jaw and help keep the airway open during sleep, significantly reducing or even eliminating snoring and apnea symptoms,” she said.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea: More Than Just a Nuisance
Snoring is often dismissed as a minor annoyance, but Prof. Dr. Kursoğlu warns that it could be a sign of sleep apnea—a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
“Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect sleep quality; it impacts the body’s oxygen supply, leading to potential long-term health issues like high blood pressure, heart enlargement, and cellular aging. It’s not just the snorer who suffers; partners often report disrupted sleep and fatigue due to loud snoring,” she noted.
Key symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue despite sufficient sleep hours,
- Waking up with a choking sensation,
- Night sweats, frequent urination during sleep, or unexplained acid reflux,
- Daytime drowsiness and poor concentration.
Sleep Quality Over Quantity: Why It Matters
“Sleep is the cornerstone of renewal and rejuvenation,” Prof. Dr. Kursoğlu stated. She explained how untreated snoring and sleep apnea lead to oxygen deprivation during sleep, triggering cellular damage and aging.
“Sleep quality outweighs sleep duration. If you wake up feeling tired or experience any of the symptoms above, it’s time to consult a specialist,” she urged.
Women and Sleep Apnea: A Rising Concern
While sleep apnea is often associated with men, Prof. Dr. Kursoğlu highlighted its prevalence in post-menopausal women. She also emphasized that anatomical factors, such as underdeveloped jaws in children or shorter necks due to genetic or weight-related reasons, can increase the risk in both genders.
The Role of Dentists in Sleep Medicine
Dentists play a pivotal role in identifying and managing sleep disorders. Prof. Dr. Kursoğlu explained how oral appliances work:
“These devices do not alter the jaw’s structure but are worn during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, ensuring the airway remains open. They are custom-fitted based on each patient’s oral anatomy and have shown remarkable success in improving sleep apnea severity and eliminating snoring.”
Sleep laboratory tests confirm the effectiveness of these devices, with even severe sleep apnea cases showing significant improvement. “Patients wake up refreshed, and their oxygen levels remain stable during sleep,” she added.
