Chapters:

0:00 - 0:32

Introduction

Eon Engelbrecht welcomes listeners to part three of the sleep apnea and snoring series. He introduces Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile, a leading dental clinic in Cape Town specialising in dental sleep medicine and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

0:33 - 1:02

Recap and Episode Overview

Dr Yudelman encourages new listeners to revisit the previous episodes, which differentiate between snoring and sleep apnea. He outlines the focus of this episode: living with sleep apnea, long-term management strategies, and paths to better sleep health.

1:03 - 2:16

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Sleep Apnea Symptoms

• Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives Before Bed: Especially red wine and antihistamines, which can relax the airway and exacerbate obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms.
• Establishing Good Sleep Hygiene: Tips include avoiding screens before bedtime, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and ensuring plenty of fresh air to improve sleep quality.

2:17 - 4:43

Weight Loss and Sleep Positioning

• Impact of Weight Loss on Sleep Apnea: Losing even 5-10 kgs can reduce fat around the neck and tongue, alleviating airway obstruction.
• Positional Therapy: Techniques to prevent sleeping on the back, such as using specialised pillows or devices, can significantly reduce sleep apnea episodes.

4:44 - 6:43

Effectiveness of Oral Appliances in Dental Sleep Medicine

• Success Rates: Oral appliances have up to a 75% success rate for mild to moderate sleep apnoea patients in Cape Town.
• Patient Compliance: Higher compliance due to comfort and portability compared to CPAP machines.
• Regular Follow-ups: Importance of annual dental check-ups to adjust appliances as needed.

6:44 - 8:43

When Treatment Doesn't Yield Immediate Results

• Reassessing the Oral Appliance Fit: Consulting with a dental sleep medicine specialist if symptoms persist.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Emphasising weight loss and avoiding sedatives.
• Repeat Sleep Studies: To re-evaluate the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea.

8:44 - 11:30

Is Sleep Apnea a Lifelong Condition?

• Possibility of Cure: Mild cases linked to weight can sometimes be resolved with lifestyle changes.
• Chronic Nature: For most, sleep apnoea requires ongoing management, especially to prevent associated health risks like heart disease and diabetes.
• Surgical Interventions: Discussed as a last resort due to risks and varying success rates.

11:31 - 12:48

Adjusting Treatment Over Time

• Progression of Sleep Apnea: Importance of monitoring and adjusting treatment as the condition evolves.
• Alternative Oral Appliances: Exploring different devices in dental sleep medicine if one becomes ineffective.
• Transition to CPAP: In severe cases, patients may need to switch to continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

12:49 - 15:23

Dental and Surgical Alternatives

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): A surgical option to remove excess throat tissue, generally not the first line of treatment.
• Jaw Advancement Surgery: Maxillomandibular advancement can be effective but is invasive and requires extensive recovery.
• Innovative Treatments: Introduction of new devices like Inspire, though not yet widely available in Cape Town.

15:24 - 16:25

Maintaining Oral Health with Sleep Apnea Appliances

• Cleaning the Appliance: Use dish soap and water to prevent scratching and cloudiness.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Essential to ensure oral appliances fit correctly and to address any dental issues promptly.
• Avoiding Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent cavities that can affect appliance fit.

16:26 - 19:02

Advice for Those Hesitant to Begin Treatment

• Addressing Fears: Understanding the serious health risks of untreated sleep apnoea, including cardiovascular diseases.
• First Steps: Consulting with a dental sleep medicine expert in Cape Town for a proper diagnosis.
• Benefits of Treatment: Improved sleep quality, increased daytime energy, and overall enhanced quality of life.

19:03 - 20:12

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Eon and Dr Yudelman wrap up the series, emphasising the importance of addressing sleep apnoea for both dental health and overall well-being. They encourage listeners to consult professionals and thank the audience for joining the informative discussion on dental sleep medicine in Cape Town.

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Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.