For Immediate Release

Contacts: 
Dr. Alan S. Tanisawa of Redwood Dental and Sleep Apnea, Castro Valley, CA (510) 881-1922 or drastanisawa@hotmail.com or Kathleen McCann of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, (708) 492-0930 or kmccann@aasmnet.org


New Guidelines for Using Oral Appliances to Treat Sleep Apnea and Snoring Validate the Work of Castro Valley Dentist

CASTRO VALLEY, CA., January 1, 2007, Castro Valley, CA  Dr. Alan S. Tanisawa, a distinguished member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) - go to: www.aadsm.org - and a founding member of Dental Organization for Sleep Apnea (DOSA) - go to: www.apneadocs.com - understands through his vast clinical experience how effective a simple oral appliance can be in the treatment of a common sleep disorder known as OSA - Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Many of his patients have found much needed help through this treatment that helps maintain an opened airway during sleep, similar to performing CPR. Many have been helped and truly appreciate the renewed energy back into their quality of life, as well as providing restful sleep back again to their bed partner!

New medical and dental research have provided further support for what Dr. Tanisawa and his patients have already known: A special, custom fitted, removable appliance, similar to an orthodontic retainer or a sports mouthguard, can be an excellent treatment. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) published in February 2006 the updated 'Practice Parameters' for treatment of OSA with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), along with a comprehensive review validating the importance of Mandibular Advancement Appliances (MAA) - in the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea patients. (Sleep 2006:29; 240-262). OAT is also indicated for patients who snore but don't obstruct, for patients who do not respond to behavioral interventions, i.e. losing weight or changing sleep positions, for patients that have compliance issues with or are intolerant of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, e.g. claustrophobics, latex allergy.

"These guidelines support what I have seen first-hand in my experience as a specialist in dental sleep medicine," said Dr. Tanisawa. "A professionally fitted oral appliance can be the best treatment option for people who suffer from this sleep-disordered breathing.  Oral appliances are generally more convenient and less expensive than other available treatments, i.e. CPAP or surgery, and they have a relatively high rate of airway treatment success, especially in mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea."

While snoring is common and often harmless, it can also be a warning sign for OSA, a serious medical condition that affects an estimated 20 million people in the United States. Dangers related to OSA include severe daytime sleepiness with associated greater risks of motor vehicle and on-the-job accidents, increased risk of high blood pressure, and higher risk rates for heart attack and stroke.

"Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues and the tongue in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway during sleep, which produces dangerous pauses in normal breathing that prevent air from getting to the lungs," explained Dr. Tanisawa. "These pauses can occur a few times or several hundred times per night as the brain is deprived of oxygen, which initiates reactive physiological mechanisms to compensate."

When worn during sleep, an oral appliance maintains an open and unobstructed airway in the throat by repositioning &/or stabilizing the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate or uvula.  There are many types of oral appliances, some designed to treat snoring and others for both snoring and sleep apnea therapy. The proper one must be carefully selected. Their basis of operation is similar to the principles of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The AASM practice parameters specifically recommend OAT for patients with mild to moderate OSA, by patients who are unable to use CPAP or who fail surgical intervention.  However, patients with severe OSA using CPAP may also benefit from an oral appliance by potentially lowering the amount of pressure required to maintain their open airway.

According to Dr. Tanisawa, the most common warning signs for OSA are frequent and loud snoring and waking up during the night with a choking sound or gasping for breath. Often the bed partner is the first to recognize these symptoms as the patient is not aware. Other signs include headaches, irritability, depression, anxiety, memory loss, impotence. Men and women who are obese are also at a higher risk for this sleep disorder. Medical treatment is necessary to prevent OSA from having a detrimental impact on your physical health, including increased risk for strokes and heart attacks.

"Anyone who suspects that they might have sleep apnea should consult their doctor or a sleep specialist quickly," said Dr. Tanisawa. "If sleep testing reveals that sleep apnea is present, then the doctors/specialists will determine which treatment is best for you."

Prior to Dental School (University of California San Francisco - '75), Dr. Tanisawa spent 10 yrs. - (AB -'65; Ph.D.-'70) - at U.C. Berkeley studying human & cellular physiology. This background has proven invaluable in treating my patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea as Oxygen is critical for all of life. Man can go without food or water for days but the body (esp. the brain and the heart) are forever damaged within minutes without oxygen. Essentially all of man's energy is derived from his food AND his oxygen AND his mitochondria - the 'power house of energy' - found in all living cells. Maximize your energy by adequate sleep (oxygen), proper nutrition, and antioxidants!

For a consultation with Dr. Tanisawa, please contact: REDWOOD DENTAL & SLEEP APNEA, 22408 Charlene Way @ Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA., 94546-7102, U.S.A., Tel: 510-881-1922,  Fax: 510-727-1583, Emergency: 510-881-1923.
or email: drastanisawa@hotmail.com