Cardiovascular Benefits

Multiple studies have found that FDA Cleared oral appliance therapy (OAT) can have cardiovascular benefits for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. By helping to maintain an open airway during sleep, oral appliances effectively reduce the frequency and severity of apnea episodes, improving oxygen levels and sleep quality.

The cardiovascular benefits of using oral appliances in the context of sleep apnea include:

1. Blood Pressure Regulation: Effective sleep apnea treatment with oral appliances has been linked to improved blood pressure control, reducing the risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular issues.

2. Reduced Cardiovascular Strain: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is another common treatment for sleep apnea, but some patients find oral appliances more comfortable and are more likely to use them consistently. Improved adherence to treatment can reduce the cardiovascular strain associated with untreated sleep apnea.

3. Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: By addressing the underlying cause of sleep apnea and promoting uninterrupted breathing during sleep, oral appliances may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of oral appliances varies among individuals, and their impact on cardiovascular health may depend on factors such as the severity of sleep apnea and overall health. Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders should consult with healthcare professionals.

OSA is as High as 80% in Patients with Hypertension, Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, Atrial Fibrillation, and Stroke

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000988

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. The breathing pauses repeatedly occur during sleep and last at least ten (10) seconds at a time for a minute or longer. In recent years, there is mounting data where obesity and obstructive sleep apnea sit at the epicenter and its control can lead to improvement and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Symptoms related to sleep or screening for sleep apnea have been overlooked by cardiac, diabetic, pulmonary, and general medicine clinics despite recommendations for screening by several societies.

OSA was Found in Over 70% of Type 2 Diabetics in a Meta-Analysis, Therefore Clinicians Should Consider Treatments for Patients.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3449487

Data has been in the scientific literature for several years, indicating the associations of OSA with almost any disease like glaucoma, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, obesity, and DM. OSA has also been identified in non-obese patients and children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Moreover, the treatment has led to improvements in the underlying condition [36-38]. Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA will help in preventing the increased morbidity and mortality associated with those conditions. Studies have shown that improvement in ejection fraction, carotid intimal thickening and benefits in coronary artery disease, maintenance of sinus rhythm from A-Fib after cardioversion, and improvement in insulin resistance while untreated OSA is associated with an increased risk of death. 

Early Diagnosis and Treatment of OSA can Significantly Reduce Morbidity and Mortality Risks