If you experience sleep apnea, you know how frustrating it can be for your sleeping patterns, not to mention the significant knock-on effects on your physical and mental health. This study shows one in ten Australians suffers from obtrusive sleep apnea, an issue that can leave you exhausted even after a full night’s rest.
Globally the condition affects millions of people. Thankfully, there is a potential solution: Mandibular Advancement Splints, or MAS. If you’re concerned about snoring, or sleep apnea affecting your sleep, here’s everything you need to know about the device that could make your concerns a thing of the past.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
In short, sleep apnea is where the throat closes during sleep due to how the throat muscles relax. This partial closing of the throat causes what we know as snoring. However, sleep apnea is slightly more severe than simple snoring, meaning those suffering from the condition experience sporadic full throat closure that disrupts and limits breathing.
The full airway closure stops you from breathing while you sleep, wakes you up, and plays havoc with your sleeping patterns. If you’ve experienced this problem, you may have sleep apnea, and you don’t need us to tell you how impactful it can be. Read more about how sleep apnea can impact your health here.
What is a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
A Mandibular Advancement Splint is a device that repositions your lower jaw forward. As your tongue is connected to your lower jaw, it repositions forward also whilst you wear the appliance. . MAS typically come in two styles, one as an over-the-counter boil and bite type or a professionally fitted appliance that is customised to your mouth.
How Does a Mandibular Advancement Splint Work?
The splint moves the tongue and jaw forward slightly while you sleep, keeping airways open and your breathing regular. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, it is recommended to use a mandibular advancement splint to combat the issue. To learn more about whether Advancement Splints are suitable for you, contact us today and schedule a consultation.
Benefits of a Mandibular Advancement Splint
There are two significant benefits to using a mandibular advancement splint.
Reduce Snoring
As air flows past your relaxed throat tissue, the air causes the loose tissues to vibrate, and that’s the oh-so-annoying sound we know as snoring. Advancement splints help reduce this significantly by creating a barrier between the airflow and the tissues.
Sleep Apnea
If you’re sick of waking up in the night due to breathing interruptions, a MAS can make a massive difference to your sleeping routine and overall well-being.
While MAS can help anyone experiencing snoring and sleep apnea, the Australian College of General Practitioners states MAS are more likely to help people who sleep on their side, young people, women, and people with mild sleep apnea.
Possible Mandibular Advancement Splint Side Effects
While mandibular advancement splints are highly effective in reducing snoring and preventing sleep apnea, they may cause some unfortunate side effects.
Hypersalivation
Increased saliva production can be a common side effect of using MAS. While using a mandibular splint, excess saliva is produced, which can spill over the upper lip and cause drooling.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of using these devices is experiencing dry mouth. The opposite effect of hypersalivation will depend on your body’s unique reaction to the splint.
Dental/Jaw Pain
Because MAS shift how your tongue and jaw sit for hours, some people experience dental and jaw pain. This can include soreness, jaw stiffness, and gum or tooth pain. In addition, long-term use of the device can result in a permanent change in jaw position.
Usually, mandibular advancement splint side effects are temporary and non-severe. It’s incredibly frustrating for you and others when your sleep is interrupted due to snoring or sleep apnea. If you’re concerned about sleep apnea and want to have mandibular advancement devices, please get in touch with Dana Street Dental and schedule your appointment.
