Are Oral Devices in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Beneficial?

If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea your doctor may have advised you to use oral devices such as mandibular advancement splints (MAS) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). A clinical study has explored the additional beneficial effects of these oral appliances used in obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disruptions in breathing and poor quality of sleep. One of the commonly used treatments for OSA is the use of oral appliances, which are devices that are placed in the mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is now thought to be more than just a mechanical disease. It is believed that OSA is a systemic inflammatory condition mediated by certain chemicals called cytokines produced in the body. Cytokines are proteins that are produced by the immune system and play a critical role in inflammation and the body's response to infection. The levels of these cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), are elevated in these patients which can contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.

A recent clinical study has assessed the effects of oral appliances on cytokine levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The clinical study was an analysis of five previously conducted clinical trials. This clinical study included participants with obstructive sleep apnea who were prescribed oral appliances to manage their breathing issues. The blood cytokine levels were measured before and after the use of oral appliances.

The researchers found that the long-term use of oral appliances was associated with a significant reduction in serum cytokine levels. Specifically, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly reduced in patients who used oral appliances compared to those who did not use them. However, short-term use (2 months) did not have any significant effect on cytokine levels.

The results of this clinical study suggest that the use of oral appliances may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health outcomes in people with OSA. By reducing cytokine levels, oral appliances may help prevent or reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions that are associated with OSA.

In conclusion, this clinical study provides evidence that the use of oral appliances may have a positive effect in reducing cytokine levels in people with OSA. By reducing inflammation these oral devices improve the overall health of these patients. This demonstrates that oral appliances may offer a viable treatment option for those with OSA. 
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