Sleep Apnea Can Be Caused By Crooked Teeth

Sleep Apnea Can Be Caused By Crooked Teeth    

These Reduce The Volume Inside The Mouth, Pushing The Tongue Backwards And Obstructing The Air Passage    

One little-known cause of sleep apnea can be crooked teeth. This is related to the position of the tongue. In sleep apnea, the tissue at the back of the tongue relaxes at night and obstructs the upper airway. However, it can also be caused because the position of the teeth reduces the space inside the mouth, forcing the tongue backward, and obstructing the air passage. Another cause related to the tongue position is improper jaw development, in which the upper jawbone and lower jaw are not fully developed, being not wide enough, and the lower jaw is not positioned forward enough, which reduces the dimensions of the upper airway. Oversized tonsils and adenoids can also block the air, as well as the excess fat tissue in the neck of obese people. Even though the normal treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP machines, the problems related to jaw misplacement or oral cavity can be corrected with an oral appliance that pushes the jaw forward and stabilizes the position of the tongue and soft palate. Click here for more details.